What Is The Difference Between Anbesol And Orajel?

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There is very little difference between many Anbesol and Orajel products.

Anbesol and Orajel are both brand names, and you'll find both names on a variety of different products that help with oral health problems such as cold sores, toothaches, denture pain, and canker sores.  

In fact, many of Anbesol and Orajel products are essentially the same.

For example, Anbesol Maximum Strength Gel and Orajel Maximum Toothache and Oral Pain Relief both contain the same active ingredient, Benzocaine 20%, an oral anesthetic, that helps numb the applied area and provide pain relief.

Anbesol And Orajel Comparison

It is important to remember when making a comparison that Anbesol and Orajel products come in several different formulations.

The products differ mostly in the amount of benzocaine they contain, ranging from 5% to 20%. However, there are some Anbesol products that contain different or additional ingredients.

Below is a tablet that compares all of the Anbesol and Orajel products:

The next section contains some information on the drug Benzocaine.

Benzocaine Information

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic, that can be used topically or orally for pain relief.  When found in products like Anbesol Maximum Strength Gel and Orajel Maximum Toothache and Oral Pain Relief Swabs, it is being used for oral pain.

Benzocaine is generally well tolerated with the following adverse reactions possible:

• Localized burning/stinging sensation
• Redness
• Itching
• Localized rash
• Hypersensitivity reactions

A rare, but serious, reaction called methemoglobinemia is possible with the use of Benzocaine, especially in higher concentrations.  Should any of the following reactions occur, you should stop use immediately and seek immediate medical attention:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Pale colored skin
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Rapid heart rate

For this reason, the FDA does not recommend using Benzocaine in children under the age of 2. They are at an increased risk for the development of methemoglobinemia.  Non-Pharmacologic measures should be tried in teething children, such as massaging the gums or giving the child a cold, teething ring.

Final Words

In conclusion, most Anbesol and Orajel products contain the same active ingredient, Benzocaine. Individual products may differ slightly in the amount of benzocaine, or additional ingredients in the case of Anbesol products, they contain.