Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for My Child?

If your child panics about going to the dentist or you know they’ll need some serious oral health treatment, you’ve probably wished you could wave a magic wand. Many parents long for a way to fast-forward the uncomfortable part of their children’s lives.

You can do just that with nitrous oxide — also called laughing gas. 

This sedative gives Irene Zaki, DDS, a safe, proven way to keep kids calm, relaxed, and even happy throughout dental treatment. And because she specializes in sedation dentistry, you can rest easy knowing your child is in good hands when they visit us at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry in Riverside, California.

We often have parents ask us about how safe nitrous oxide is for children. Today, we want to provide an overview of research and recommendations from dental authorities. 

What dental experts say about nitrous oxide

Researchers have studied nitrous oxide extensively in children. 

One recent study evaluated the current state of nitrous oxide use in pediatric patients. It concluded that laughing gas is a “cost-effective, pleasant, safe, and versatile anesthetic agent with many desirable properties.” 

It also pointed out that “the concerns over an increase in cardiovascular complications and mortality following nitrous oxide use have been negated by recent data,” meaning you and your child have nothing to fear.

To further prove the safety of nitrous oxide, we can point to guidance from the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The ADA says, “The combination of inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen is a safe and effective means of managing pain and anxiety in dentistry when used appropriately.”

The AAPD issued guidance on this topic, stating, “[The AAPD] recognizes nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety, produce analgesia, and enhance effective communication between a patient and healthcare provider.”

In other words, experts in pediatric dental care all recommend laughing gas as a safe option for keeping children more comfortable at their next dental appointment. 

When to use it — and when to skip it

In its nitrous oxide guide, the AAPD offers some recommendations for use. We want to highlight those here to help you decide if this type of sedation dentistry could be right for your child. 

The AAPD recommends nitrous oxide for children who:

• Are fearful or anxious
• Have muscular tone disorders that make them prone to unintentional movement
• Have a strong gag reflex
• Don’t get good numbing with a localized anesthetic
• Need a lengthy dental procedure

The AAPD recommends using caution for children with specific health conditions. Tell Dr. Zaki if your child has:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Any respiratory tract infection, like a cold or tonsillitis
• Any conditions that interfere with their breathing, including seasonal allergies
• Ear problems, like an ear infection
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Talk with Dr. Zaki about any health problems your child has — especially ear, nose, or throat issues — so she can determine if nitrous oxide is safe for them. During this conversation, tell her about any medication your child takes. 

To explore if nitrous oxide is right for your child, call us at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry or book your visit online today.