Don’t Let Your Child’s Dental Anxiety Sabotage Their Oral Health Needs: Laughing Gas Can Help

About 9% of American children experience dental anxiety, so your family isn’t alone if you’re struggling to get your child to the dentist. Because February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, it’s a good time to address this topic.

Our compassionate pediatric dental care specialists at Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, understand the challenge of dental anxiety in kids. We get it: Seeing your child stressed feels just awful. You might worry that you’ll never be able to get them the oral health treatment they need when their anxiety is so hard to manage.

We’ve got your worries covered. Dr. Wilmore is a highly experienced pediatric dentist with additional training as a pediatric ICU nurse, and we offer sedation dentistry that’s safe for kids: Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” can make dental visits easier and more comfortable. 

Whether it’s routine cleaning or a more involved procedure, we’re here to ensure that your child feels comfortable every step of the way. Laughing gas is a safe way to do so for anxious children.

Understanding laughing gas

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas. When mixed with oxygen, it works within the nervous system to cause relaxation and calming. 

Many children become giggly, extra happy, and even silly, which is how nitrous oxide got the laughing gas nickname. This puts them in the right frame of mind for dental procedures and removes stress from the equation.

The laughing gas experience for children 

Dr. Wilmore administers the laughing gas through a small nasal hood, a mask that fits over your child’s nose. She controls the amount of gas released at all times, tailored to your child’s size. 

Generally, the effects of laughing gas occur immediately. Your child will become drowsy, calm, and peaceful very quickly. Patients can still hear and respond to Dr. Wilmore; they’re awake for the whole procedure. However, the things that might have upset them before — like noise and vibrations from dental tools — are no longer stressful. 

Nitrous oxide also significantly reduces pain. If necessary, Dr. Wilmore can also administer a local anesthetic for a completely painless experience.

Your child wears the nasal hood for the whole procedure. As she finishes her work, Dr. Wilmore tapers off the gas until your child breathes in pure oxygen. This helps dissipate the effects of the laughing gas almost immediately. Then, she removes the nasal hood and your child can resume their day. 

Many kids have little or no memory of the procedure, which further helps remove anxiety around dental work. 

Nitrous oxide safety

Many years of use and countless studies have shown that nitrous oxide can help children have low-stress, comfortable dental experiences, and the American Dental Association calls it “safe and effective” for pediatric dental patients.

A comprehensive overview of dental studies published in the International Journal of Applied Dental Sciences also emphasized that nitrous oxide particularly benefits children with special needs and those with dental anxiety. 

Stress, away: Laughing gas can save the day 

If your child feels nervous or fearful about their upcoming appointment, nitrous oxide may be the perfect option to make their visit more comfortable and positive.

If you're concerned about your child's dental anxiety and want to explore how nitrous oxide can help, call Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, today at 713-266-4222 to book your appointment.