What is Laughing Gas, and Is It Safe For Kids?
One cannot deny that dental treatments sometimes cause anxiety and fear in children. They find dental procedures scary and all. Fortunately, different sedation options are available, making the kids worry less. And one of the safest and most preferable sedation methods is inhalation sedation. This is often called happy air or laughing gas.
Read more to know how can this gentle sedation alleviate child anxiety.
How Does Laughing Gas Work?
A pediatric dentist frequently prescribes laughing gas or nitrous oxide-oxygen anxiolysis to assist your child in coping with dental treatment. Nitrous oxide-oxygen does not typically produce sedation at the levels used in dental offices. Still, it soothes a somewhat worried kid and takes the edge off, allowing the child to remain peaceful throughout the session.
It has pain-relieving properties; thus, making your child feel better. After the treatment, the dentist will let your child inhale 100% oxygen for a few minutes to remove the Nitrous oxide. Your child can now enjoy the rest of the day! However, just a reminder that your kid should have an empty stomach before getting laughing gas. Having a full stomach can sometimes lead to nausea and vomiting.
Is Laughing Gas Safe For My Kid?
Your kid is getting a safe sedation method; you don’t have to worry! Nitrous oxide is safe for children as they have calming and pain-relieving properties.
However, since each child is different, your dentist would first check your child’s oral health history before proceeding with a dental procedure. This type of sedation has its limitations, and it is only effective when:
- Your child should be able to follow directions.
- Your kid must have the ability to sit in a chair and be willing to cooperate.
- Your child is not crying. If your child is crying, they may not get the benefits of anxiety relief since they are not breathing through the nose.
And, while dental sedation is quite safe, numerous factors must be considered while selecting the choices for each treatment. Please consult with your child’s pediatric dentist to identify the best options. Your dentist would know if your kid qualifies for this sedation procedure.
Laughing Gas Side Effects in Children
Nitrous oxide is a pleasant and harmless gas. However, specific kid sedation dentistry adverse effects are conceivable, as with any medicine. Nitrous oxide is mild and safe for both adults and children. The adverse effects are minimal, reversible, and disappear fast when the gas wears off. Chronic or severe symptoms generally come from misusing or overusing the gas.
- Short-term side effects: This could happen after a child inhales too much of the gas. Your kid could experience nausea, vomiting, shivering, sweating, and dizziness. This effect would go away a few minutes after the sedative wears off.
- Long-term side effects: Reach out to your dentist if your child experiences unusual issues. However, this sedation usually does not have long-term side effects as it wears off quickly.
- Side effects in toddlers and kids: Nausea and vomiting are the most common short-term adverse effects.
Read More: When Should I Take My Baby to the Dentist?
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.