Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for My Child?

Most people have this irrational fear of dentists that starts when they are merely kids. If you also find your kids getting anxious or even fearful of dental visits and dental procedures, it can get quite difficult to convince them to go to the dentist.

However, modern technology has made it possible for dentists to make the experience more comfortable for kids by administrating various levels of sedation. And one of the most common types of sedation that your dentist may be using is nitrous oxide – more commonly known as laughing gas.

How Safe is Nitrous Oxide?

As a parent, your foremost priority is the health and safety of your kids. Therefore, it is natural to be skeptical of any gases or sedation being used to relax your child.

You can rest assured knowing that nitrous oxide is one of the safest and most reliable options of sedation in pediatric dentistry. Furthermore, since it has very few side effects, it is the most practical option for kids today.

Gas is mixed in with oxygen for the child to breathe in, creating a mild sedative effect. It relaxes the kid without causing them to fall asleep. It is called laughing gas because it tends to give a relaxed and giggly feeling to the people who breathe it in.

After breathing in nitrous oxide, your child may feel tingly, lightheaded, or even feel a floating sensation. However, these feelings are temporary and help the child stay relaxed during the dental procedure.

The great thing about nitrous oxide is that the effect wears off within minutes after the gas is turned off. Therefore, your kid will be back to normal by the time you leave the dentist’s office.

Overall, nitrous oxide is the safest method of sedation that can be used on your kid.

Please visit Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry and meet Dr. Naomi Lane to learn about the additional benefits of nitrous oxide.