Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for Children Receiving Dental Treatments?

When you think of laughing gas, you may immediately remember how it has been comedically portrayed in cartoons and other media. While these depictions of nitrous oxide can certainly elicit a good laugh, they are not true to life. Nitrous oxide can be a safe and effective dental sedation treatment for patients of any age because it does not cause erratic behavior or any other dangerous or long-lasting side effects. Here’s a brief guide to why this treatment may be an excellent way to help your child remain comfortable in their pediatric dentist’s chair.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be used to safely induce a sense of calm in a patient while raising their threshold of discomfort. This gas is combined with oxygen and administered through a hose attached to a mask placed over the nose, and the patient will begin to feel more relaxed soon after the sedation treatment begins. Children will still be awake, aware, and able to move their limbs and respond to instructions and questions, and the effects of the drug will subside within minutes of the treatment ending.

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for Toddlers and Children?

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective form of dental sedation for nearly all toddlers and children. However, in rare cases, the treatment can lead to unpleasant short-term side effects like:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Shivering
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Irritability

If your child develops these unlikely side effects during or after nitrous oxide treatment, they will quickly wear off and not result in any long-term issues.

Can My Child Benefit from Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

The only way to know for sure if your child can be a good candidate for nitrous oxide treatment is to have a consultation with their pediatric dentist. During this appointment, they will evaluate your child’s oral health and medical history to determine if they can receive the treatment safely. Nitrous oxide is often used to keep children comfortable during restorative dental procedures like fillings, and it can also help those with anxiety or other conditions that make it difficult for them to sit calmly through their appointments.

Nitrous oxide may be the best way to help your child receive the dental care they need. After scheduling a consultation with your pediatric dentist, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

About the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson earned his dental degree at the Creighton University School of Dentistry before completing a one-year General Practice Residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He then earned his Pediatric Dental Specialty Certificate at the University of Rochester Medical Center and now serves as a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. His office in Wylie offers pediatric general, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as sedation treatments. To learn more about nitrous oxide, contact his office online or dial (972) 429-7070.