Posted on 08/08/2009 9:34:39 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Nobody likes going to the dentist, but redheads may have good reason.
A growing body of research shows that people with red hair need larger doses of anesthesia and often are resistant to local pain blockers like Novocaine. As a result, redheads tend to be particularly nervous about dental procedures and are twice as likely to avoid going to the dentist as people with other hair colors, according to new research published in The Journal of the American Dental Association.
Researchers believe redheads are more sensitive to pain because of a mutation in a gene that affects hair color. In people with brown, black and blond hair, the gene, for the melanocortin-1 receptor, produces melanin. But a mutation in the MC1R gene results in the production of a substance called pheomelanin that results in red hair and fair skin.
The MC1R gene belongs to a family of receptors that include pain receptors in the brain, and as a result, a mutation in the gene appears to influence the bodys sensitivity to pain. A 2004 study showed that redheads require, on average, about 20 percent more general anesthesia than people with dark hair or blond coloring. And in 2005, researchers found that redheads are more resistant to the effects of local anesthesia, such as the numbing drugs used by dentists.
The mutation in the MC1R gene also occurs in brunettes, although its less common. In the latest study, the researchers tested for the MC1R gene variant, finding it in 65 of 67 redheads and in 20 of 77 people with brown or black hair. The participants were surveyed about dental-care anxiety, fear of dental pain and whether they avoid going to the dentist.
(Excerpt) Read more at well.blogs.nytimes.com ...
I must be a red head. Dentist can hardly get me numb or, when he does, keep me numb long enough to finish a filling or, heaven forbid, a root canal.
I have worked as an Orthodontist Assistant for 7 years, and I would say we have very few red heads going through Ortho treatment, the ones that do seem to be much more sensitive, so I guess this would make sense.
But I had to dye my hair just to match my fiery personality.
LOL...I too am a faux red (actually auburn) head. I like to think of it as “better living thru chemistry.”
L’Oreal Excellence 6R here...
Of course, penicillin allergies are common but she's also allergic to propanalol (sp?) (beta blocker) and broke out in a hot, itchy rash within 30mins taking it.
I’m not a redhead (I’m blonde) but do have Celtic and Germanic background and I’m resistant to anesthesia and Novocaine. I wonder if other genes related to red-headed ethnicities, rather than the red hair genes, themselves, are responsible.
I forgot to add, her doctor that prescribed said, “No one has problems with this drug. Must be her red hair.” lol
This is me. A dentist was told me it wasn’t possible I was feeling pain.
“My redheaded daughter hasn’t experienced any problems, yet with pain blockers but she seems to be allergy prone to meds.”
I seem to be allergic to all meds!
Sorry, but redheaded women are just different. Its not just the personality.
I have two redheaded children (and one not). One just had surgery for a broken arm, and I was asking the anesthesiologist and surgeon about this genetic trait. They didn’t believe it. Doctors do not know about this.
Save this link if you’re a redhead to show your doctors / dentists!
Would this mean the redheads would be the first to be sent down the Soylent Green chute under Obamacare?? Since they waste precious drugs that could be used on Administration Czars?
Hey PaMom!!! I was Feria #63 but I went a tad lighter! I am convinced the good Lord gave women hair just for that reason!! My husband loves it. That is good enough for me! See you MOnday on the Q and R thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm a redhead and I have a pretty high pain threshold too. I surprise hubby all the time. The bleeding issue OTOH is no fun.
The ancient Egyptians used to sacrifice redheaded men to the god Osirus and their ashes were used to fertilize the crops.
I’m a redhead and a wimp when it comes to pain. I’m also wimpy when it comes to asking for more Novacaine or pain meds.
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