How to Apply Orajel

Orajel is a topical anesthetic that you can use to numb pain or discomfort on your body or inside your mouth. Its active ingredient is benzocaine, and it’s available over-the-counter both as an ointment and a spray. You can use Orajel to treat minor pain or discomfort, especially from common ailments. While benzocaine is generally safe, it’s important to follow safety precautions when using this product.


Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Treating with Orajel

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    Make sure your skin is not broken. Don’t use Orajel on broken skin, as it could cause irritation. Also, your wound could be at risk for an infection, and Orajel shouldn’t be used on infected skin.[1]
    • If your skin is broken, use a product approved for use on open wounds.
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    Follow the dosing instructions on the label. Most people over the age of 2 can use Orajel 3-4 times a day. Apply a thin layer to the area you’re treating. Use as little product as possible.[2]
    • You can also check with your doctor to determine the proper dosage.
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  3. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 3
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    Wash your hands before you use Orajel. Start with clean hands so that you don’t introduce germs and bacteria into the product. Use mild soap and warm water to cleanse your hands.[3]
    • It's especially important to wash your hands if you're applying the product with your fingers.
  4. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 4
    4
    Put a small amount of Orajel on your finger or a sterile gauze pad. Don’t apply the product directly onto your skin, even if it comes in a spray. Instead, use your fingers or gauze to apply it. You can squeeze or spray the Orajel directly onto your applicator.[4]
    • You can also use a clean cotton swab for application.
    • If you’re using a throat spray, you can spray it directly onto your throat.
  5. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 5
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    Dab the product onto the area you’re treating. Use slow, gentle movements to limit pain caused by your application. Continue dabbing the product onto the site until you’ve created a thin layer of Orajel.[5]
    • If you didn’t apply enough product to your fingers or the gauze, it’s okay to apply more. It’s a good idea to wash your hands or get a clean piece of gauze for your second application.
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    Wash your hands after applying it to remove any excess product. The ointment can soak into your skin, so you might accidentally absorb too much product if you don’t wash your hands. This increases your risk of developing side effects, which can become serious.[6]
    • Soap and warm water will remove the excess Orajel if you wash your hands immediately.
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    Take a missed dose as soon as you remember or wait for the next dose. In most cases, it’s best to go ahead and take your missed dose. However, don’t take 2 doses back to back. If it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the one you missed.[7]
    • If you missed a dose because you weren't experiencing pain, it's a good idea to reduce the number of times you're applying it. Use as little of the medication as possible.
  8. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 8
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    Watch for common side effects, such as mild stinging and redness. Common side effects of Orajel include mild irritation, itching, redness, tenderness, and dry, flaking skin at the application site. These usually go away. However, severe side effects can occur, such as severe burning or stinging, swelling, warm skin, redness, oozing, or infection. If any of these side effects occur, stop using the product immediately and seek medical care.[8]
    • Check the label for more information about side effects.
  9. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 9
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    Seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic reaction. These include hives, breathing issues, and swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat. This is a serious medical condition.
    • Similarly, seek medical attention if you have signs of methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder that Orajel can cause. Symptoms include headache, tiredness, confusion, fast heart rate, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or pale, blue, or gray skin, lips, or nails.[9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Orajel Safely

  1. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 10
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    Talk to your doctor before using Orajel. Although Orajel is sold over-the-counter, it’s still a medication. It isn’t right for everyone, and your doctor is the best resource for determining if it’s right for you. Make sure you tell them about other medications you’re taking.[10]
    • Follow all of your doctor’s instructions.
  2. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 11
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    Avoid giving Orajel or Baby Orajel to children under age 2. It’s tempting to turn to Orajel to help your baby cope with teething discomfort, but it’s best to stick to other methods recommended by your doctor. Orajel’s active ingredient is benzocaine, which can cause a dangerous condition called methemoglobinemia in young babies.
    • Methemoglobinemia reduces the amount of oxygen your organs and tissues receive from your blood.
    • Talk to your doctor before giving anything to your baby, especially over-the-counter medication.
  3. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 12
    3
    Use your Orajel no more than 4 times a day. Only apply the Orajel if you truly need it, such as when you’re experiencing pain. Using it too much can increase your risk of side effects, such as methemoglobinemia.
    • Methemoglobinemia reduces the amount of oxygen distributed throughout your body.
  4. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 13
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    Check the expiration date on your Orajel. You should not use expired medication, so it’s important to always check that your product is still good. If it’s expired, throw it out and get a new container.[11]
    • The expiration date should be printed on the tube or spray bottle. If you can’t find it, it’s best to purchase a new one.
  5. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 14
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    Read the label before using the Orajel. The packaging contains valuable information about how and when to apply the product. Additionally, it provides cautionary information for you to consider. Always read and follow the instructions on the label.
    • Don’t use more Orajel than is recommended. Similarly, don’t use it to treat any condition not listed on the label.[12]
  6. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 15
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    Avoid using Orajel on open wounds or burns unless told to by a doctor. The ointment is not safe for broken skin or severe irritation, such as burned or inflamed skin. It can worsen your skin irritation if you use the ointment incorrectly.
    • Orajel shouldn’t be used when an infection may be present, and an open wound or burn increases your risk of infection.[13]
  7. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 16
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    Don't eat or drink for 1 hour after applying it to your mouth. Eating or drinking could cause you to wash the Orajel down your throat. Not only will this limit its usefulness in numbing your pain, it also causes you to ingest the product, which can be harmful.[14]
    • Don’t even drink water.
    • You can resume eating or drinking after an hour.
  8. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 17
    8
    Use caution if you smoke or have a heart or breathing condition. Breathing conditions include asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. Having heart or lung issues increases your risk of developing a negative reaction to the Orajel. This makes you more likely to experience side effects.
    • It’s best to avoid using it unless your doctor says it’s okay.
  9. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 18
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    Store your Orajel out of reach of children and pets. Put it in a cool, dry place that's hard for them to access. For example, keep it on a high shelf in your medicine cabinet. The product can be dangerous if it’s improperly ingested.
    • You might also keep it in a secure first aid kit.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Addressing Common Conditions

  1. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 19
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    Treat minor pain on your skin or around your nails. As long as your skin isn’t broken, you can treat minor skin or nail issues. This might include random nerve pain, such as in your hands.[15]
    • For example, you might use Orajel on an ingrown nail or toenail.
  2. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 20
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    Relieve pain from bee or wasp stings. Stings are a common source of pain or discomfort. Luckily, Orajel can help numb away that pain! Just make sure you don’t have an open wound.
    • Make sure you remove the stinger before applying the product to a bee sting.[16]
  3. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 21
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    Apply it inside your mouth for nerve pain, cold sores, or throat irritation. You can use a small amount of Orajel in your mouth for toothaches, gum pain, cheek sores, etc. Use as little ointment as possible.[17]
    • For throat irritation, it’s best to use a spray, lozenge, or mouth rinse.
  4. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 22
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    Use Orajel on your vagina to relieve irritation. It’s safe to use Orajel on your vagina. However, it’s best to only do so if you know you aren’t allergic to the product. Apply as little product as necessary to get relief.[18]
  5. Image titled Apply Orajel Step 23
    5
    Put the cream on your anal area for hemorrhoids and other irritation. Orajel is a common treatment for hemorrhoids, as it can numb away the pain. You can also use it to relieve other pain around your rectum.[19]
    • If you want to treat rectal pain, you might look for a benzocaine suppository instead of applying Orajel.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Should I apply the Orajel to the area around the tooth?
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Expert Answer
    No, you only need to apply it directly to the area of concern. Less is often more with this kind of product.
  • Question
    What is oraljel?
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Expert Answer
    It's an anesthetic that dissipates over time. It's unique because you can't use most regular anesthetics in your mouth, but Orajel is perfectly safe. It's often used to reduce pain before you can get in to see the dentist.
  • Question
    Do I need to go to the doctor if I accidentally swallow some of the Orajel?
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Expert Answer
    Usually, no, although you should if you experience any serious side effects. The effects should go away on their in 20-30 minutes, though. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water if this happens.
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Warnings

  • Never give Orajel to a baby under the age of 2, as it can harm your baby.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Like other numbing agents, Orajel can cause fatal side effects if too much is absorbed into your blood. Use it sparingly and only as directed.[21]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  8. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html
  9. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html
  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  3. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  5. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html
  6. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html
  7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benzocaine-topical-application-route/proper-use/drg-20072913
  8. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html
  9. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html
  10. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html
  11. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html
  12. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/orajel.html

About This Article

Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Co-authored by:
Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
Licensed Dentist
This article was co-authored by Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award. This article has been viewed 140,981 times.
14 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: October 28, 2022
Views: 140,981
Categories: Oral Hygiene

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

Orajel is a topical anesthetic that helps numb pain on your body or inside your mouth. Never use Orajel on broken or cut skin, since this can cause irritation and lead to infection. Squeeze a small amount onto your finger or a sterile gauze pad and dab it into your painful area. Make sure you wash your hands before and after applying Orajel to get rid of any bacteria. Follow the label for dosing, and never exceed 4 applications a day. If you miss a dose, apply Orajel as soon as you remember or wait for your next dose. If you get have an allergic reaction to Orajel with hives, breathing issues, or facial swelling, seek emergency medical care. For more tips, including how to deal with side effects of Orajel, read on.

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