What are topical anaesthetics?

Topical anaesthetics are applied directly on the mucous membranes or directly on the skin so that pain and itching is relieved. Topical anaesthetics address pain or itching caused by dental injections, dental procedures, insect bites, haemorrhoids, cuts, poison ivy, and sunburn. Topical anaesthetic preparations that have benzocaine are available at grocery stores and drug stores. They are meant to ease the pain from braces, teething, toothaches, and canker sores.

Dentists use these topical anaesthetics for several reasons including

  • preventing or reducing the pain that is caused by an anaesthetic injections
  • preventing the gag reflex. This is the reflex that you do when something touches the back of your throat. Gag reflexes happen when you get x-rays, when trays are put in your mouth for impressions, and sometimes when you get fluoride treatment
  • decreasing the discomfort during scaling and root planing
  • decreasing the discomfort when stitches are removed
  • the relief of pain from complications like dry socket in tooth extractions

Topical anaesthetics can be applied as ointments, gels, sprays, or through an adhesive patch. Some topical anaesthetics are flavoured with cherry, banana, watermelon, pina colada, bubble gum, mint, strawberry, and raspberry. Most of the topical anaesthetics use the same drugs as injectable local anaesthetics although topical anaesthetics are given in higher concentrations. This is because only some of it will work its way through the tissue.

Before you receive a topical anaesthetic, your dentist must review your medical and dental history so that any possible allergic reactions to the anaesthesia are ruled out. Moreover, your dentist must ask whether you have medical conditions like hereditary methemoglobinemia. This requires the use of topical anaesthetics with extreme caution.

When applying anaesthetics, your dentist should dry the area with gauze pads. Your dentist will apply the anaesthetic using an applicator such as a cotton swab. The anaesthetic will be held in the area for about two to three minutes until it is numbed. Your dentist may also apply the topical anaesthetic using a spray or using an adhesive patch.

Topical anaesthetics will numb the nerves for about two to three millimetres below the surface. They are effective for about fifteen to thirty minutes which is just enough time to get an injection or have stitches removed.

Several anaesthetics used at the dental office are also available as over-the-counter products like gels and sprays. They are used to relive oral pain, sunburn, or throat pain. Over-the-counter products have lower concentrations compared to the products used by your dentist.

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