Is Laughing Gas Safe For Children?

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Laughing gas has a reputation as a kind of drug that makes a person laugh while getting their teeth worked on. Unfortunately, this common term, “laughing gas” gives people the wrong impression.

What is Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas is a colloquialism for nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a gas that is used as an anesthetic in medicine and especially in dentistry. Specifically, it’s classified as being a “dissociative anesthetic” because it causes a disassociation that helps patients not feel anxious about the treatment they’re undergoing.

How is Laughing Gas Used in Pediatric Dentistry?

Laughing gas in Fort Collins, CO is offered to young patients with permission from parents. It’s dosed in very, very small amounts because that’s all it takes to help a child relax for things like cavity fillings, and other things that may make them feel afraid.

When your child has laughing gas, they simply relax and feel better. The nitrous oxide doesn’t make them unconscious; it merely takes the edge off a tiny little bit so your child feels calm. In some cases, the nitrous oxide dulls the pain, too, so the whole treatment is more pleasant.

Things to Know About Laughing Gas For Children

  • Laughing gas doesn’t “knock a child unconscious.” If a child closes their eyes, it’s simply because they feel comfortable and relaxed.
  • Your child is awake and aware under laughing gas.
  • There are no needles involved with laughing gas. It’s administered through a small little nose mask.
  • No one turns their back on a child during dental treatment. Unlike with adult dentistry, your child is never left alone, especially when laughing gas is used. Someone is always right by their side. In some cases, if you want to stay with your child during treatment, that’s possible, too.
  • Laughing gas for children has been approved, and is in use around the world. There are no known side effects or issues.

Benefits of Laughing Gas

The benefits of laughing gas for children include less anxiety around dental visits. This can help create an environment where your child is happy to go and cooperate with important dental care. In turn, that can lead to a lifetime of good dental habits.

When you visit your pediatric dentist in Fort Collins, CO, ask about nitrous oxide to learn more. Book your child’s next appointment today.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?  

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Although tooth sensitivity can result from a cavity, it is also linked to a variety of other dental issues, including thin or worn-away enamel.

Symptoms Associated With Tooth Sensitivity in Fort Collins, Colorado

When a child has tooth sensitivity (aka dentin hypersensitivity), variances in the temperature (i.e., hot and cold) of food, beverages and even air cause pain. Additional pain triggers include sweet and acidic foods.

Determining the Cause of Sensitive Teeth

As experienced pediatric dentists in Fort Collins, Colorado, the first thing that Dr. Greg Evans and Dr. Rachel Ecker do is determine the reason a child is experiencing tooth sensitivity. Once they know the reason for the sensitivity, they create an individualized treatment plan.

Potential Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity in Fort Collins, Colorado

Broken or chipped teeth, as well as worn-down or missing fillings and crowns, can cause sensitive teeth. This tooth sensitivity may be chronic or temporary, with pain intensity ranging from mild to severe. Seeking treatment as soon as possible can prevent further damage to the affected tooth or teeth. At Big Grins in Fort Collins, Colorado, pediatric dentists Dr. Ecker and Dr. Evans stop tooth sensitivity by addressing these dental issues.

Other reasons for sensitive teeth include:

Dentinogenesis imperfecta

Dental enamel thickness is genetic, which means it runs in families. When a child born with dentinogenesis imperfecta begins developing teeth, the protective barrier (i.e., enamel) of his or her teeth is thinner than the enamel of those who are born without this condition. Nonetheless, there are other reasons that children who do not inherit dentinogenesis imperfecta experience tooth sensitivity.

Daily dental care mishaps

Children can unintentionally wear down their tooth enamel or cause their gums to recede by using a hard-bristle toothbrush or brushing their teeth too hard.

Wearing-away of tooth enamel due to diet

Regularly consuming acidic beverages (e.g., soda, lemonade) and eating highly acidic foods (e.g., oranges, tomatoes) can cause tooth enamel to wear away.

Stomach acid

Conditions that cause stomach acid to enter the mouth (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux [GERD]) can erode tooth enamel.

A receding gum line (aka gingival tissue)

When the gingival tissue pulls away from the teeth, the root surface may become exposed, resulting in tooth sensitivity.

Sleep bruxism

Sleep bruxism involves the grinding and clenching of teeth while asleep. Since this movement disorder is done subconsciously, preventing damage to the teeth is the best way to avoid the development of tooth sensitivity. Therefore, Big Grins’ pediatric dentists in Fort Collins, Colorado, may recommend a custom-designed mouth guard for the child to wear while sleeping.

If you reside in the Fort Collins, Colorado, area, and your child is experiencing tooth sensitivity, please make an appointment at Big Grins today. To schedule by phone, please call: (970) 407-1020 or request an appointment using the online form. Big Grins address is 3221 Eastbrook Drive, #A-101 in Fort Collins, Colorado.