Skip to main content
SafeMama

Disclaimer: This guide is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always confirm medicine, supplement and product decisions with your obstetrician, midwife, pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Medication

Is Benzocaine Safe During Pregnancy?

Published 2026-07-16 | By SafeMama Editorial Team | Editorial policy

Is Benzocaine Safe During Pregnancy? pregnancy safety guide image

Short answer

Topical benzocaine is expected to have low absorption when used as directed, but tooth pain, mouth sores, hemorrhoid pain, or skin symptoms during pregnancy should still be checked if they persist or are severe.

Low absorption topically; check symptoms

What is the safest way to think about this?

MotherToBaby says benzocaine has not been well studied in pregnancy, but very little is expected to be absorbed when used as directed. That supports cautious short-term topical use, not repeated unsupervised treatment of symptoms that may need diagnosis.

What is generally okay?

  • Use only the product amount and frequency on the label or clinician instructions.
  • Ask a dentist, clinician, or pharmacist before repeated use for tooth pain, severe sore throat, hemorrhoids, or skin injury.
  • Check whether the product combines benzocaine with menthol, phenol, antiseptics, steroids, or other medicines.

What should you avoid or double-check?

  • Avoid using benzocaine on large areas, broken skin, or for longer than directed.
  • Avoid delaying dental care for toothache, swelling, fever, pus, or facial pain.
  • Avoid benzocaine products in anyone with prior methemoglobinemia or known sensitivity unless a clinician advises.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama can flag benzocaine, Orajel, Anbesol, throat sprays, hemorrhoid creams, topical anesthetics, and combination pain-relief labels for ingredient review.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Orajel while pregnant?

Many Orajel products contain benzocaine, but formulas vary. Use only as directed and ask a dentist or clinician if pain persists.

Should tooth pain wait until after pregnancy?

No. Dental infections and severe tooth pain should be assessed during pregnancy. ACOG supports needed oral health care during pregnancy.

What symptoms are not just a numbing-gel question?

Swelling, fever, pus, severe sore throat, breathing trouble, bleeding, or worsening pain should be medically assessed.

Check products faster with SafeMama

SafeMama scans food, skincare, medicine and supplement labels and explains pregnancy-safety flags using published guidance from authorities like ACOG, NHS, FDA, CDC and WHO.

Download SafeMama