S5, Ep 15: Do Redheads Feel More Pain At The Dentist? With Guest, Dr. Ethan Erwin

How to be a Redhead

You might be a redhead who refuses to see the dentist because you experience more pain. Do redheads actually feel more pain at the dentist? Is it a myth? Fact? We are speaking with Dr. Ethan Erwin today. He practices cosmetic and general dentistry, AND he's a natural redhead. He owns Smile Hot Springs in his hometown of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

We asked him some of the following questions:

1. 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?
2. Are dentists being trained to expect differences in their redheaded patients?
3. What would you say to a listener who has been avoiding the dentist for years due to anxiety?
4. 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?
5. What are some options patients can ask for that they may not know about? (Example: I didn’t know Dentists could prescribe a mild sedative like Valium. Some dentists offer laser fillings without any injections)

Links and Articles Mentioned:

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

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

Daily, we get an array of questions from social media comments, emails, and direct messages. We thought it would be fun to bring these to the How to be a Redhead podcast! We answer 2-4 questions per podcast. Do you want to send in your questions? Email [e-mail], or DM us on Instagram @HowtobeaRedhead or TikTok @HowtobeaRedhead.

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Produced by: Adrienne + Stephanie Vendetti. Pam Cameron

Edited By: Robert Cummins Film Co.