Is Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Safe for Toddlers and Children?
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas commonly referred to as laughing gas. It consists of two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom bonded together. Studies indicate that it reduces a patient’s perception of pain and increases the release of dopamine. Laughing gas is one option to help anxious patients relax and feel comfortable during a dental procedure, or even during a routine dental appointment.
Is Laughing Gas Safe for My Child?
The nitrous oxide used in a medical setting is very safe, even for toddlers and young children. The masks dentists use to administer the gas first delivers pure oxygen, followed by a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. The limited exposure produces effects that reduce pain and help the patient relax during a procedure. In rare cases (only one in every two hundred patients), it may cause temporary side effects like headaches, shivering, sweating, nausea, or fatigue.
We Can Answer All Your Questions About Laughing Gas
If you’d like to know more about the effects of laughing gas and how it benefits young patients, we are happy to answer your questions! Give us a call at (919) 438-3933 or send us an email to schedule an appointment so that we can discuss this and any other dental health concerns you may have.
