why do redheads have a lower pain threshold? and require more anesthetic during surgery?

It is true. Ask any anesthesiologist. In people with red hair, the cells that produce skin and hair pigment have a dysfunctional melanocortin 1 receptor. Dysfunction triggers the release of more of the hormone that stimulates these cells, but this hormone also stimulates a brain receptor related to pain sensitivity. Since true redheads are such a minority not many people know about this. Just Google it.

I'm not sure it has much to do with being a red head, everyone is wired differently and a dentist or doctor needs to be prepaired for that. Since you know you require more anesthetic than others it is important to tell the doctor that before having procedures done.

I was told the opposite is true... redheads tend to have a higher threshold of pain. This is pretty well known through the BDSM world.

It could be that you have a stronger resistance to the anesthesia. I have a pretty high tolerance for alcohol and I kept waking when having surgery, the doctor got mad at me because he didn't check to see what my reaction would be first, he just drugged me up for a 105 pound female. I kept opening my eyes and looking around, it bothered him alot.

Your dentist may seem to think that but I do not believe that it would be medically factual. Maybe you have a lower pain threshhold and YOU require more anesthesia.. just every body is different. I could go in to schematics and biology and anesthetics but it has nothing to do with having red hair

It has nothing to do with being redheaded. I'm redheaded and have a very high pain tolerence.

I love redheads so much.

that's one of the silliest things i've heard in awhile.

hmmm I don't know, and you know what, I really don't care.