Choosing the right approach to manage your child’s dental anxiety can be a challenging task. It is important to know that you are not alone, and there are safe and effective strategies to help your child feel more at ease during dental procedures.

Importance of Managing Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety, particularly in children, can often lead to delayed or avoided dental care, potentially resulting in severe oral health issues. By managing this anxiety effectively, your child’s dental visits can become more pleasant, paving the way for a lifetime of healthy dental habits.

Role of Nitrous Oxide

One effective strategy for managing dental anxiety in children is using nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas‘. Nitrous oxide is a colourless and safe gas that helps to relieve dental anxiety and discomfort during treatment (O’Malley, 2023)​¹​. It’s often administered through a small rubber nasal hood, sometimes called “an astronaut mask“. The effects are mild and wear off rapidly, allowing your child to resume normal activities soon after treatment.

A recent study found that even higher dosages of nitrous oxide (above 50%) are safe for children and do not increase adverse events. However, higher concentrations of nitrous oxide were not found to be associated with a better behaviour score when completing paediatric restorative procedures (Unkel et al., 2022)​²​

Addressing Concerns About Nitrous Oxide

It is completely normal for parents to have concerns about any form of sedation, including nitrous oxide. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) provides comprehensive guidelines for the safe and judicious use of nitrous oxide/oxygen analgesia/anxiolysis in pediatric dentistry (AAPD, 2023)​³​. The guidelines highlight considerations such as the child’s physical and emotional development, medical and dental histories, the dentist’s credentials and training, administration techniques, and potential adverse effects.

Other Alternatives

While nitrous oxide is a popular choice, it’s not the only tool in the toolbox. Depending on your child’s level of anxiety, health history, and the extent of dental treatment required, other forms of behaviour management or sedation may be more appropriate. These alternatives should be discussed with your dentist, who will be able to provide guidance based on a thorough examination and understanding of your child’s needs (O’Malley, 2023)​⁴​.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing your child’s dental anxiety is crucial for their oral health and overall well-being. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective option, although it’s important to have a conversation with your dentist about any concerns you may have. Other alternatives are available, and the best choice depends on your child’s individual needs.

Understanding and managing dental anxiety can vary across different cultures, and it is important to respect these differences. Your dentist should be open to discussing any cultural considerations that may influence your decision.

Remember, your input as a parent is invaluable in determining the best approach for your child. By working together with your dentist, you can help ensure a positive dental experience for your child.

Happy Gas is not a solution to all levels of dental anxiety. Some children are too young for a medical gas mask, and in such cases, sleep dentistry using general anaesthesia for children may be the best option for the child.

References

Unkel, J. H., Alexander, C. I., Berry, E., Reinhartz, J., & Reinhartz, D. (2022). Effectiveness and safety of elevated dosages of nitrous oxide on behavior management in pediatric dentistry. J Clin Pediatr Dent, 46(1), 58-61.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2023). Best practices for nitrous oxide use in pediatric dentistry. Retrieved from https://www.aapd.org/