Podcast S5 EP15: Do Redheads Feel More Pain at the Dentist?

If you’re a redhead who hates going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Many redheads dread their yearly dental visits for many reasons. It’s quite common for redheads to hate going or even refuse to see the dentist because they report experiencing more pain than the average person.

In this episode, Adrienne + Stephanie discuss whether redheads feel more pain at the dentist. Or, is it a myth? They spoke with Dr. Ethan Erwin. He practices cosmetic and general dentistry, AND he’s a natural redhead. He owns Smile Hot Springs in his hometown of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Questions Adrienne + Stephanie asked him include:

• According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, natural redheads have more anxiety about the dentist than people with dark hair due to their resistance to local anesthetics. As a redhead yourself, what was your experience like at the dentist?
• Are dentists being trained to expect differences in their redheaded patients?
• What would you say to a listener who has been avoiding the dentist for years due to anxiety?
• It can be really hard to tell a doctor, “I need more anesthesia”. They may look at you as if you’re crazy because they have never heard this fact before, or they may disregard you because they think you’re reading out another false fact from TikTok. What’s the best way to tell a doctor about redheads needing more anesthesia?
• What are some options patients can ask for that they may not know about?

Looking for some of the links and articles we mentioned in this episode? Check them out below:

Fear of the Dentist is Real: How Redheads Can Handle Dentist Appointments

Experts Weigh In: Do Redheads Feel More Pain at the Dentist?

Ultra Brite Advanced Whitening Toothpaste

Opalescence Go

10 Comebacks If You’re Ever Bullied About Your Red Hair

Redhead Studies Link

Are Mosquitos More Attracted to Red Hair? The Short Answer Is: Yes

You can hear Stephanie, Adrienne, and Dr. Erwin discuss these questions and more on the latest episode of the How to be a Redhead Podcast available directly below, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

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Rock it like a Redhead!