Exact Answer: 2 – 3 Hours
The Brand name Orajel that sells Benzocaine is a local anesthetic substance that is commonly used as a pain reliever or sometimes even in cough drops. Orajel is a medicinal product used as a mouth gel. It is a dental gel that helps in providing temporary relief from the pain that is caused due to mouth ulcers or from wearing dental dentures.
Orajel is mainly recommended for short-term use and should be used only when prescribed by a doctor or a dentist. As Orajel’s main ingredient is benzocaine, it used always be used with appropriate caution. It is highly advised that such type of medication should never be used continuously for a prolonged period.
Orajel is mainly prescribed for adults and children over the age of 12 years. Thus, if it is to be used for children between 2 to 12 years, then consulting a health professional or dentist is a must. Generally, it can be used up to 4 times daily but not for more than 4 days continuously. If pain persists even after using the medication, one should consult their doctor or dentist in such cases.
How Long Does Orajel Last?
| Condition | Duration |
| Time to start working | 15 – 20 minutes |
| Time Orajel’s effect last | 2 – 3 hours |
Orajel, being a medicated toothache and gum gel provides instant pain relief for severe toothaches as well as for other gum problems. It is known for giving instant pain relief when applied. The benzocaine content in it helps to soothe the pain. It numbs the pain by killing harmful bacteria and by preventing infection.
Orajel provides a cooling effect for gum-related problems. Orajel is available in easy to use tube form that provides ease of application. It must be kept in mind that Orajel should never be used for a child that is below 2 years of age.
Orajel is not meant for healing large skin areas or deep painful wounds. It is used only for minor problems and helps in providing instant relief that is temporary. Orajel is to be used as and when needed and thus does not require a dosing schedule. Care must be taken not to use it more than necessary i.e not more than 4 times a day.
Why Does Orajel Last This Long?
Orajel is a medication used for healing problems in the mouth. After Orajel is applied on the painful gums or anywhere inside the mouth, one should avoid eating anything for at least 1 hour after the application of said medication. Orajel is not made for consumption. Thus, one should ensure that it should not be swallowed purposely or even mistakenly while applying on gums or inside the mouth.
Orajel when used in the mouth for a prolonged period can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia wherein the oxygen levels of the body become critically low. Such a condition might occur when the medication is not used with proper caution and may occur after the first use of benzocaine or after several uses.
The relief provided by Orajel lasts for several hours but it is not permanent. Orajel is a temporary pain reliever that ensures fast relief. Thus, Orajel can be especially a boon for those who are unable to sleep at night due to painful toothaches or gum pain. Thus, people with underlying dental problems and those planning for its long-term usage should consult a professional before using Orajel.
Conclusion
Orajel is called the number one oral pain reliever brand for toothache. Orajel contains benzocaine that is used for numbing pain caused due to minor mouth problems like sore gums, toothache, mouth/gum injury, etc. This medication should be allowed to sit on the area of pain for about a minute for it to start working and showing its effect before rinsing the mouth.
Orajel starts working about 15 to 20 minutes after it is applied. However, if the pain does not go away or the medical problem persists or worsens further, one should get medical help from a health practitioner or dentist right away.
