eli5: why do mouth numbing gels like orajel numb your mouth and teeth but not hands/skin?

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it numbs my tongue instantly but even after 5-10 minutes on skin it feels exactly the same.

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Anonymous 0 Comments

It actually can be used in the skin, well at least the active ingredient, Benzocaine, can. I just used some a couple of months ago and found out the hard way I’m allergic. My chin is still a bit numb from the experience.

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