In the Know for You To Know
You want your child to feel calm, comfortable and confident for their dental appointment.
Sometimes there’s a procedure your child needs that can make them feel anxious before or during treatment. They may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable.
Nitrous Oxide (aka Laughing Gas) is a safe, effective medication that is used to help calm a child’s fears and enhance their capability to receive their dental treatment.
What Is Laughing Gas?
Nitrous Oxide is a mixture of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide.
Does My Child Go To Sleep?
A specially designed nose mask is placed over your child’s nose which allows them to breathe in this mixture. It is carefully adjusted and monitored so that your child receives the right amount to make them feel happy, calm and comfortable. This is not a sedative, so your child never “goes to sleep.”
How Does Laughing Gas Make My Child Feel?
The nose mask comes in a variety of scented flavors. Imagine having your choice of bubblegum, strawberry, orange, cherry, vanilla, or mint.
Your child will smell the sweet aroma and experience a sense of relaxation. They may also feel a sense of silliness and happiness. They may happily laugh. This is why this is often called “laughing gas.”
Are There Any Special Instructions?
- It is recommended that your child have nothing to eat or drink for four hours before their appointment. This is so that your child will not become nauseous or vomit, which can happen with a full stomach. Bring something for them to drink after the procedure.
- If your child starts coughing, sneezing, develops a runny nose, is congested, or gets sick it’s best to reschedule your appointment.
- Call your Pediatric Dentist if your child begins taking any new medicine in the days or weeks leading up to your appointment.
How Safe Is Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas is very safe, and well tolerated. It has a rapid onset, is reversible, is monitored and adjusted to meet your child’s specific needs, and is non-allergenic.
Your child is fully conscious, awake and aware of their surroundings when breathing laughing gas; and they are able to communicate at all times.
Laughing gas is considered safe for children by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics.
Laughing gas is administered by trained Pediatric Dentists and your child is monitored throughout the entire procedure.
What To Remember
Laughing Gas is a safe and effective adjunct to dental procedures for children who are anxious and fearful. Not all children are alike, so this is tailored to your child’s needs.
Has your child had Laughing Gas for their dental treatment? Did you find it helpful? What did you like about it? What didn’t you like about it? Tell us, We’d really like to know. Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me, Like Us on Facebook
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