How Safe is Laughing Gas For Kids? | Ask South Houston Pediatric Dentist

kbizzJune 25, 2021

456 2 minutes read

It is not uncommon for children to be a little fearful of specific dental procedures. However, pediatric dental offices in South Houston, TX, are not only kid’s friendly practices, but they also understand young patient’s psyche. For this reason, many pediatric dental practices, like Rodeo Dental, offer multiple levels of sedation dentistry for children. This can make your child’s dental experience more comfortable.

One of the safest and most common options of pediatric sedation dentistry is the use of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. This option is practical, with very few side effects for children. But how exactly safe is it for kids? Let’s find out by reading below!

Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide in Pediatric Dentistry

Nitrous oxide is safe and gentle for kids. However, just like with any other drug, some children may experience specific side effects.

Short-term side effects

Most side effects of laughing gas are uncommon. They mainly occur from inhaling large quantities or frequent inhaling of the gas. This can cause nausea, vomiting, shivering, sweating, and fatigue. However, these side effects are usually mild and go away quickly.

Long-term side effects

Generally, there shouldn’t be any long-term side effects of nitrous oxide since the gas wears off quickly. But if your child experiences long-lasting issues, contact a pediatric dentist or doctor right away.

In short, nitrous oxide is safe for both children and adults. Even if your child does experience side-effects, it will only be mild, reversible, and quickly go away as the gas wears off. Long-term or severe side effects are generally caused by misuse or overuse of the laughing gas.

Preparing Your Child for Nitrous Oxide

Suppose your child feels anxious about going to the dentist. In that case, gentle sedation through laughing gas can be an excellent option to help ease their nerves. The hygienist will give your child a breathing mask to inhale the gas. This will continue until the procedure is completed. This way, your child will have a calm and relaxed experience during their treatment. After inhaling the gas, your child won’t be in a deep sleep, unlike under other sedation types. Once the gas is turned off, your child will breathe pure oxygen to help wear off nitrous oxide out of their lungs. We recommend you use honesty and clear language to tell your child about what will happen and why.

Is Dental Sedation Safe for My Child?

Yes, dental sedation –especially nitrous oxide—is incredibly safe for people of all ages. Primarily, nitrous oxide is used for gentle sedation by pediatric dentists. It can help relax your child, making their dental work go smoothly. This way, your child will have a calm and peaceful experience throughout their dental appointment.

Since each child is unique, your pediatric dentist will want to review your child’s health history to make sure your child doesn’t have any health concerns that can cause complications. Yes, dental sedation is safe, but many considerations choose the right option for each patient. So, it is advisable to consult with your dentist to determine the best choices for your child.