I've used the Oragel for Sean when he gets that upset. The numbness doesn't really last that long --mostly it lasts long enough to calm him down, and then I can convince him to gnaw on a toy or something. I did try it on myself first--it is a bit disconcerting. Sean mostly stops crying and gets this "Huh?!?!?!?!" look on his face. We're currently cutting tooth #8--no fun!