5 Reasons to Consider "Laughing Gas" for Your Child's Dental Work

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be stressful for you and your child. 

At Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry in Riverside, California, Irene Zaki, DDS, offers nitrous oxide — also called laughing gas — to give children mild sedation. This makes them comfortable and helps them relax while still keeping them awake.

Whether your child gets anxious with general teeth cleanings or has an upcoming treatment you think might be a cause for concern, don’t hesitate to talk to our team about this option. Here are a few reasons it might be a fit.

#1: It’s safe

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using laughing gas in some instances. Dr. Zaki can help you determine if it’s right for your child. 

As a mild sedative, it might make your child feel relaxed, tingly, and happy. It might even give them the giggles, hence its name. You might also be glad to know that laughing gas — when administered and controlled by a professional — has no long-term side effects. 

#2: It’s proven

This isn’t a new sedative option; dentists have used nitrous oxide since 1844. It’s widely used, its effects have been well-documented, and Dr. Zaki and our team have years of experience using it. 

#3: It can help ease your child’s nervousness

If your child gets nervous at the dentist’s office, laughing gas could be just the thing. This mild sedative gives them a comfortable — and potentially even fun — experience. 

To keep your child relaxed, we administer our nitrous oxide through what we call a “space mask.” A lot of kids think it’s fun and cool to wear this space mask, which carries laughing gas mixed with oxygen to their lungs. 

#4: It wears off quickly

You don’t need to worry that your child will be loopy for the rest of the day. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off within minutes of the space mask’s removal. 

#5: Dr. Zaki is experienced

Dr. Zaki has extensive experience safely using laughing gas to help make appointments at our office more comfortable for kids of all ages. 

For kids who are anxious about the dentist or have special needs, she may recommend nitrous oxide at every visit. For others, she may only recommend it for specific treatments, like a tooth extraction or a filling. 

Ultimately, laughing gas gives you and your child a safe way to make their next visit to our office more comfortable. If you’d like to learn more about it, call our office or book an appointment online today.