Abstract: Anesthetic compositions that achieve enhanced anesthesia of the peripheral nerves located in the mouth region of a subject or patient are provided. Such anesthetic compositions comprise water, a local anesthetic agent, and a sugar alcohol at a concentration of at least 0.1 moles/L i.e., at least 0.1 M. A method of anesthetizing a peripheral nerve of the mouth region is also provided. The method comprises: providing an anesthetic composition comprising water, a local anesthetic agent, and a sugar or, preferably, a sugar alcohol at a concentration of at least 0.1 M; and administering said anesthetic composition to a site proximate to said peripheral nerve.