Redheads may be more sensitive to pain
Studies have indicated that redheads may be more sensitive to pain and as a result may need more anesthetics to numb them during dental visits etc.
And now some new research has found that painful experiences at the dentist might cause more anxiety for men and women with red hair. This group is twice as likely to avoid dental care than people with dark hair. (What about blondes?)
Researchers now believe variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor gene may be the culprit. This MC1R gene produces melanin, which gives skin, hair and eyes their color. Red heads have a mutation of this receptor. It produces a different coloring called pheomelanin, which is where freckles, fair skin and ginger hair come from.
The next phase of research is to figure out whether more anesthesia is needed for people with red hair and those with variants of the MCR1 gene for dental procedures.
Last Updated on August 5th, 2009
Hey, before you go please subscribe to Healthy Reader or leave a comment.
| « 10 Reasons You’re Not Having Sex | 5 Healthy Snacks for People With Diabetes » |
