What is a possible reason for gagging problems in patients wearing removable partial dentures?

Excessive occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) can contribute to gagging problems in patients wearing removable partial dentures due to the increased height of the occlusion that may affect the natural rest position of the tongue and soft tissues in the mouth. When the vertical dimension is higher than what the patient is accustomed to, it can create a physical sensation that is uncomfortable or unfamiliar, leading to gag reflex stimulation.

This discomfort could be exacerbated during functional movements, such as chewing or swallowing, as the increased height may cause the denture to impinge on the soft tissues of the palate and throat. For patients who are sensitive to such changes in oral space or structure, this can certainly lead to gagging or a feeling of nausea.

In contrast, while other factors like bulky anterior borders, unbalanced occlusion, and poor denture base support can also lead to discomfort, their primary impact is not as directly linked to the height of the dental structures within the mouth as excessive OVD is. These issues tend to affect stability, retention, and comfort, but they do not necessarily provoke the same immediate gag reflex response that can occur with an inappropriate vertical dimension.