Anbesol numbs mouth pain on contact by using benzocaine, a topical anesthetic that temporarily blocks nerve signals in the tissue you apply it to. The maximum strength version contains 20% benzocaine. Using it correctly is straightforward, but the amount you apply, where you place it, and how often you reapply all matter for safe, effective relief.
What Anbesol Treats
Anbesol is designed for short-term pain relief inside the mouth and throat. The most common uses include toothaches, sore or painful gums, canker sores, irritation from braces or retainers, denture soreness, discomfort after minor dental work, and sore throat. It’s a temporary fix, not a treatment for the underlying cause of your pain.
How to Apply the Gel
If you’re using the gel tube for the first time, cut the tip at the score mark with scissors. Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto a clean fingertip or a cotton swab, then dab it directly onto the sore or painful spot. You don’t need to rub it in aggressively. A light, even layer over the affected area is enough. The numbing sensation typically starts within seconds of contact.
You can reapply up to 4 times per day. If pain returns between applications, wait until a reasonable interval has passed rather than layering on more product. Using more than the recommended amount won’t make it work better and increases the chance of side effects.
Using Anbesol for Denture Irritation
For sore spots caused by dentures, the process is slightly different. Apply a thin layer to the irritated area of your gums, then leave your dentures out until the pain or irritation subsides. Before putting your dental work back in, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This prevents benzocaine residue from sitting between the denture and your gums for an extended period.
Liquid vs. Gel vs. Spray
Anbesol and other benzocaine products come in several forms: gel, liquid solution, spray, and ointment. The gel tends to stay in place well, making it a good choice for a specific sore spot like a canker sore or a single irritated area on the gums. The liquid version spreads more easily and can reach spots that are harder to dab with a fingertip. Sprays cover a broader area quickly, which can help with more generalized throat or gum soreness. The dosing limit is the same across all forms: no more than 4 applications per day for adults and children 2 and older.
Who Should Not Use It
The FDA warns that benzocaine products like Anbesol should not be used on children under 2 years old. This is because of a rare but life-threatening condition called methemoglobinemia, in which the blood’s ability to carry oxygen drops dramatically. While this reaction can happen at any age, young children are at the highest risk. Children between 2 and 12 can use Anbesol, but only with adult supervision.
You should also avoid applying Anbesol to open wounds, burns, or broken skin inside the mouth. If you have a deep cut or a severely inflamed area, the benzocaine can absorb more rapidly than intended. People with certain hereditary blood disorders affecting red blood cells, as well as those with asthma, emphysema, or heart disease, should use benzocaine with extra caution because these conditions can increase the risk of side effects.
If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to any local anesthetic, particularly other “-caine” numbing agents, skip Anbesol and talk to a dentist or pharmacist about alternatives.
Side Effects to Watch For
Mild burning or stinging at the application site is normal and usually fades quickly as the area goes numb. This is not a sign of a problem. What you should pay attention to are signs of an allergic reaction: swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing. These are uncommon but require immediate medical attention.
The more serious concern is methemoglobinemia. Symptoms include pale, gray, or bluish-colored skin (especially around the lips and fingernails), headache, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fatigue. These symptoms can appear within minutes to hours of use. If you or your child develops any of these after applying Anbesol, seek emergency care right away.
Storage
Keep Anbesol at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Avoid leaving it in a hot car or a steamy bathroom. Check the expiration date printed on the packaging before use, and discard any product that has passed it.