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 absolutely does numb your skin. The active ingredient in Orajel is benzocaine, which is also used in ointments for various other achey body parts, including throat, ears, and skin.

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