Are Redheads Difficult to Numb?
- Dr. Pearl E. Whites
- Nov 1
- 2 min read
The presumption is redheads have a greater difficulty getting or staying numb. Note there is research that supports and refutes that claim, which focuses on generalizations that are not entirely accurate for every case.
Everyone has a gene called MC1R that helps determine hair color among other features. Redheads have an MC1R gene mutation that some studies link to anesthetic ineffectiveness. This mutation is predominantly in redheads but not in all redheads. One finding shows redheads need 20% more anesthetic than other hair-colored patients. Regarding dental anesthesia, this is generally least effective in redheads. That may validate why many redheads have significantly higher anxiety in the dental chair.Â
Another study refutes any correlation with redheads and anesthetic ineffectiveness so perhaps targeting the redheads' gene as the primary reason may just be a red herring.
There is more evidence suggesting redheads have a difficult time getting numb. Regardless of what studies suggest though, what can be validated is this: If you have a hard time getting numb and have anxiety to dental visits then use these suggestions to make your dental visits more tolerable:
Request Your Dentist Wait Longer Than Usual to Do Treatment
Depending on the numbing location in the mouth, dental treatment can begin zero to 15 minutes after numbing. Ask your dentist to wait longer than usual after numbing and before beginning treatment.
Request Doubling the Anesthetic Amount
In most numbing situations, dentists only use about 10-20% the maximum danger limits of anesthetic dosage. Requesting double the amount of anesthetic that your dentist usually uses would still not put you at risk of any overdosing danger.
Consider Sedation
Anxiety and psyching yourself up prior to numbing can actually inhibit the effectiveness of anesthetic. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest forms of sedation. It simply raises your pain tolerance. A mild sedative can also be prescribed prior to dental treatment and substantially help relax you as well. Speak with your dentist about those routes.