Do redheads need more dental anesthetic?

Author: Geo Hartmann  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

Here's what studies have revealed about redheads and pain: They need about 20 percent more anesthesia to be sedated. They also need more local topical anesthetics, such as lidocaine or Novocain, which is why many redheads have a fear of dentists, according to the American Dentistry Association.

Do redheads need more numbing at the dentist?

Local anesthetic may not be as effective on redheads

A 2003 study found that both forms of lidocaine were less effective in people with red hair, with the injected lidocaine showing the most significant difference. “It's reasonable to inform or remind your dentist that you may need more local anesthetic,” Dr.

Do people with ginger hair need more anesthesia?

In summary, our results confirm anecdotal clinical impressions that anesthetic requirement is greater in redheads. The observed 19% difference between the two groups makes red hair a distinct phenotype that correlates with inhalational anesthetic requirement in humans and can be traced to a specific genotype.

Why does lidocaine not work on redheads?

Conclusion: Red hair is the phenotype for mutations of the melanocortin-1 receptor. Results indicate that redheads are more sensitive to thermal pain and are resistant to the analgesic effects of subcutaneous lidocaine. Mutations of the melanocortin-1 receptor, or a consequence thereof, thus modulate pain sensitivity.

Do redheads need more analgesia?

'The MC1R gene not only affects hair colour but also how the body processes pain. ' This genetic trait means redheads might feel pain more intensely, which is why they often need a bit more anaesthesia, whether it's for surgery or a dental procedure.

Do redheads really need more anesthesia?

What illnesses are redheads more prone to?

Red headed women reported more frequent diagnoses of cervical uterine cancer, cervical uterine precancerosis, ovarian cancer and other cancer. Both male and female redheads reported more frequent diagnoses of colorectal cancer.

What hair color has the lowest pain tolerance?

Research has shown that people with red hair perceive pain differently than others. They may be more sensitive to certain types of pain and can require higher doses of some pain-killing medications.

Do red heads have higher pain tolerance?

Prior research has already put red-haired humans and mice into the spotlight, pointing out that they have a higher pain threshold. They also don't need as high of a dosage of pain-killing opioids, and they tend to require more anesthesia compared to people with non-red hair.

Why can't redheads get laser?

The most common lasers used for hair removal are optimized for darker pigments. However, red hair has pheomelanin rather than eumelanin pigment. It lacks enough contrast with the skin for lasers to effectively target the follicles.

Do redheads metabolize alcohol faster?

While some studies suggest a potential link between certain genetic variations and alcohol metabolism, the idea that redheads universally have a higher alcohol tolerance remains inconclusive and should be approached with caution.

What are the benefits of being a redhead?

10 reasons why being a redhead is awesome
  • Only 2% of the world's population has red hair. ...
  • You have your own festival. ...
  • You can produce your own vitamin D. ...
  • You may not need as much pain medication. ...
  • Redheads don't go grey. ...
  • People with red hair are more likely to be left-handed. ...
  • You may have more fun between the sheets.

Do redheads feel temperature differently?

We found that redheads were significantly more sensitive to cold pain perception, cold pain tolerance, and heat pain tolerance.

Are red heads wild in bed?

Women with red hair color exhibited higher sexual desire and sexual activity, a higher number of sexual partners of the preferred sex, earlier initiation of sexual life, and lower sexual dominance (and therefore higher sexual submissiveness).

Why do some redheads have yellow teeth?

Some causes of yellow teeth are not in our hands:

Our parents can mark the enamel characteristics and these can be decisive for the coloring of our teeth. For example, the thinner the outer enamel layer of the teeth, the more yellow our teeth will be. Interestingly, this is a case that usually affects redheads.

Do redheads have higher tolerance to anesthesia?

Red-haired women have been found to require higher doses of anesthesia for pain relief, particularly with lidocaine injections. Additionally, red-haired individuals may exhibit differences in pain tolerance thresholds, with heightened sensitivity to cold pain and minor variations in heat pain sensitivity.

Do redheads go gray?

One of the many facts about redheads is that their hair will never turn grey. The pigment in their hair that causes it to be red will just fade over time, causing their hair to turn blonde or white, but never grey.

Do redheads need more ibuprofen?

Natural redheads may experience pain differently from people with other hair colors, but the research is inconclusive. Some studies have found that redheads have a lower pain threshold, but other studies have found the opposite.

Are redheads less likely to get sick?

Genetics, namely two copies of the MC1R gene, can put people with red hair at a higher risk of skin cancer. They may also be at a higher risk of developing colorectal, ovarian, or cervical cancers. Redheads may also be at increased risk for Parkinson's disease, sunburn, and aging-related skin changes.

What is the lifespan of a redhead?

Lifespan. Redheads can live as long as 21 years in the wild.

What are the disadvantages of having red hair?

Health risks for people with red hair
  • Genetic cause of red hair.
  • Health risks.
  • Increased skin cancer risk.
  • Altered sensitivity to pain.
  • Increased risk of Parkinson's disease.
  • Increased risk of endometriosis.
  • Other health implications for people with red hair.
  • Decreased risk of prostate cancer.

What hair color to make you look younger?

What Color Hair Makes You Look Younger? Brighten up! Ten out of ten colorists agree, shades that are warm-toned read more youthful than cool-toned hair colors. Spicy copper reds, rich caramel brunettes, and soft honey blondes will warm up your complexion for younger-looking skin (hold the retinol).

What is the least attractive hair color?

Collectively, people with red hair were rated as most unattractive, but it must be noted that in the non-obese woman condition, red hair was seen as equal to blond hair in attractiveness, though in every other condition red hair was seen as significantly less attractive.

Do redheads react to drugs differently?

Genetic Background

Variants of this gene not only result in the characteristic red hair and fair skin but also influence pain perception and drug metabolism. Research has shown that these genetic differences can lead to variations in how redheads respond to anesthesia, painkillers, and other medications.

What are redheads more susceptible to?

It has long been known that redheads are at higher risk of sunburn and skin cancer. This is to be expected because red hair is associated with fair skin, which is more vulnerable to UV radiation [1].

Previous article
What does massaging with alcohol do?
Next article
Who should not get a spray tan?