What is the MOST common cause of gag reflex in denture patients?

Correct answer: A. Increased VDO (vertical dimension of occlusion)

• A. The MOST common cause of gagging in complete denture patients is INCREASED VDO. When the VDO is too high, it causes continuous tooth contact or excessive interocclusal space changes that trigger proprioceptive and tactile receptors in the palate and posterior soft palate area, stimulating the gag reflex. Excessive posterior palatal extension of the maxillary denture is the second most common cause.
• B. Distal extension of the MANDIBULAR denture may cause some irritation — but the MOST common cause of gagging is related to the MAXILLARY denture's vertical dimension.
• C. Nerve injury would cause sensory loss, not gag reflex. The gag reflex is mediated by intact cranial nerves IX and X, not their injury.
• D. Excessive saliva is not a primary cause of denture-related gagging.