Can You Use Orajel During Pregnancy?

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By Abby McCoy | Updated on Dec 10, 2023
Image for article Can You Use Orajel During Pregnancy?

If you have tooth or gum pain, Orajel can provide short-term pain relief. While no studies have been done on Orajel’s effects during pregnancy, the National Institutes of Health 1 say it’s unlikely to hurt your baby.

The main ingredient in Orajel is benzocaine, a numbing medication. Very little benzocaine gets absorbed through your gums or skin, so only a tiny amount will reach your baby. If you have tooth pain that doesn’t want to go away, be sure to let your dentist or healthcare provider know. Infected teeth left too long can harm you and your baby. Once you know it’s not an infection, your provider can give you the go-ahead to use Orajel.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. "Benzocaine"Sep 1, 2021https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582601/.


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Abby McCoy
Updated on Dec 10, 2023

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Can You Use Orajel During Pregnancy?

 Abby McCoy Profile Photo
By Abby McCoy | Updated on Dec 10, 2023
Image for article Can You Use Orajel During Pregnancy?

If you have tooth or gum pain, Orajel can provide short-term pain relief. While no studies have been done on Orajel’s effects during pregnancy, the National Institutes of Health 1 say it’s unlikely to hurt your baby.

The main ingredient in Orajel is benzocaine, a numbing medication. Very little benzocaine gets absorbed through your gums or skin, so only a tiny amount will reach your baby. If you have tooth pain that doesn’t want to go away, be sure to let your dentist or healthcare provider know. Infected teeth left too long can harm you and your baby. Once you know it’s not an infection, your provider can give you the go-ahead to use Orajel.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. "Benzocaine"Sep 1, 2021https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582601/.


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