Do i need to go to a hospital with an allergic reaction to orajel? i am 38 yrs old, smoker, and i was having tooth pain. tried orajel and my throat and face have progressively swollen. i basically used it one night and its been 2 days without it and the s

If : If symptoms are getting worse would not chance it. Be seen as soon as possible.

It : It sounds like the swelling is more likely caused by the dental infection not the orajel. You may consider the er tonight, but see a dentist as soon as possible.

Yes : Yes you can have an allergic reaction to orajel but what you are describing is most likely a progressive infection. This is one of the problems we as dental professionals face, where a patient tries over the counter medications to control a problem that required the services of a dental professional. This allows the condition to worsen and leads to more involved and expensive treatment. I recommend seeking a dental evaluation as soon as possible, no later than tomorrow. If you are having difficult breathing, swallowing, or the infection is working its way to you eye seek care at an emergency room immediately.

ER or dentist ASAP : Go to your nearest emergency room or your dentist asap to make sure your reaction doesn't get any worse to the point of causing breathing problems or worse.

Angioedema: Anytime you have progressive throat and facial swelling you need to seek immediate attention. The swelling might be from the orajel but also from the antibiotic and/or pain killer that was probably given.

May be an abscess: The swelling you are having may be a contact reaction to the antisthetic in orajel. However, it could also be from infection due to a tooth abscess which may be the cause of your tooth pain. Need to see a doctor either way.

Infection: Orajel does not cause your problem. You have a major infection in a tooth that needs to be removed immediately. This type of infection is life threatening and needs to be properly dealt with immediately or sooner !

ER vs Dentist: If the swelling is progressing rapidly and you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to ER NOW. Otherwise see dentist today for progressive dental infection.