TIL: Not only is there a Wikipedia entry for deep throating, but there’s an entire subreddit dedicated to the mechanics of it at r/throatbarrier!
Deep throating is the practice of taking a penis or other object deep into the throat, beyond the oral cavity and into the pharynx. If the epiglottis is manually closed, and if the object is long enough, the esophagus may be penetrated as well.
When a person begins to deep throat, the object being inserted into the mouth will stimulate the back of the tongue and the soft palate, which triggers the gag reflex. The gag reflex is a reflex contraction of the back of the throat, which can cause discomfort and even vomiting if triggered strongly.
However, with practice and relaxation techniques, it is possible to train the gag reflex to be less sensitive, allowing for deeper penetration without triggering a gag reflex.
The throat is divided into three parts: the oropharynx, the laryngopharynx, and the esophagus. The oropharynx is the part of the throat that is visible when looking in the mirror, and it includes the back of the tongue, tonsils, and the soft palate.
The laryngopharynx is the area between the hyoid bone and the entrance to the esophagus, and it includes the epiglottis, which closes off the airway during swallowing to prevent choking. The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
During deep throating, the penis or object being inserted will pass through the oropharynx and the laryngopharynx and, if long enough, continue into the esophagus. The pharyngeal muscles will relax to allow the object to pass through, and the epiglottis will close off the airway to prevent choking.
However, deep throating can be risky and can cause injury if done improperly. It is essential to communicate with your partner, start slowly and gently, and use plenty of lubrication. It is also important to be aware of the signs of distress, such as coughing, choking, or difficulty breathing, and to stop immediately if any of these occur.
