Visiting the dentist is a worrying and frightening experience for children, and it may lead to panic attacks as soon as the child sits in the examination chair, especially if he has special needs. Therefore, using laughing gas for children has become an effective solution in this context. Although the use of laughing gas in dental clinics dates back many years, there are many who do not know anything about it, including its uses and soothing properties. We will review these aspects through the Dalili Medical website in the following article.

**What are the components of laughing gas and its physical state?**

 

Nitrous oxide is a gas consisting of two atoms of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen (N₂O). At room temperature, this gas is colorless and non-flammable, and is characterized by a slight sweet odor. It is usually used in its gaseous state or in cylinders containing compressed gas.

**What are the uses of laughing gas?**

 

Nitrous oxide has many uses in medical, industrial and scientific fields, the most prominent of which are:

- **Medicine:** Laughing gas is widely used in dental procedures to relieve pain and calm patients. It is also used in operating rooms as part of general anesthesia.

- **Industry:** It is used in the engine industry as a performance-enhancing agent, as it helps improve fuel combustion and increase engine speed.

- **Cooking:** It is used in preparing whipped creams using special pressure devices.

- **Scientific research:** It is used in laboratories in various research fields, including studying its effects on anesthesia and neurological functions.

- **Psychological effects:** It causes a feeling of happiness, dizziness, relaxation, mild euphoria, and laughter.

**What is laughing gas and what is its function?**

 

Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is an anesthetic used in dental clinics to anesthetize children during treatment procedures. It is inhaled through a mask placed over the child's nose, affecting the brain and providing a feeling of relaxation and comfort with light anesthesia. Laughing gas helps reduce anxiety and fear in children, making them more cooperative during dental treatments. It also provides limited anesthesia in the areas surrounding the treated teeth, making it easier for doctors to perform work accurately and efficiently. It is noted that the effect of laughing gas wears off quickly after the session is over, allowing the child to return to his normal state quickly.

**Does laughing gas cause laughter?**

 

Nitrous oxide got its name from its effect on neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which makes you feel cheerful and relaxed. Some people may feel like laughing after inhaling this sedative, while others may simply feel relaxed and calm. Other side effects that may appear with laughing gas include: dizziness, lightheadedness, a feeling of heaviness or tingling in the extremities, mental confusion, and sometimes mild hallucinations.

Why do dentists resort to using laughing gas?

 

Laughing gas is one of the many sedatives used in the field of dentistry. These sedatives are used to help patients feel comfortable and relaxed during complex or painful dental procedures. Some people experience severe anxiety when visiting the dentist, for reasons such as fear of pain or complications, or as a result of previous negative experiences with dental visits. Today, laughing gas is a safe and effective option for people who need support in relaxing before and during certain dental procedures.

How long does laughing gas last?

 

The effects of laughing gas typically last throughout the dental procedure. After you stop inhaling nitrous oxide and start breathing regular air (or just oxygen), the euphoric effects and confusion you may feel will begin to wear off within a few minutes. You may have difficulty with motor skills and concentration for about 15 minutes after you stop inhaling laughing gas, which may affect your ability to drive if you leave immediately after your appointment. It is important to ask your dentist when it is safe to drive home if you have come to the appointment alone. You should also tell your dentist immediately if you experience discomfort or any other symptoms within minutes of stopping inhaling laughing gas.

How are children sedated for dental treatment?

 

Laughing gas is used as a means of sedating children during dental procedures. The child is asked to sit in a treatment chair, where a mask is placed over his nose to breathe the laughing gas. The concentration of the gas is adjusted based on the child’s condition and the type of treatment required. While in the treatment room, the child inhales the laughing gas, which helps calm and slightly numb him. After the treatment is over, the concentration of the gas is gradually reduced until the child regains consciousness. Children have a good ability to adapt to laughing gas, which makes the dental treatment experience easier and more comfortable for them.

**Does dental anesthetic gas affect the body?**

 

Yes, dental anesthetic gas affects the body, but its effect is temporary and lasts for a short period. Laughing gas has low toxicity and is used with caution in accredited dental clinics. The anesthetic gas is inhaled to numb children during dental treatment, and when the child inhales this gas, it is quickly absorbed and travels to the central nervous system. The anesthetic gas works to calm and slightly numb the child, and when the treatment is over, the child quickly returns to his normal state. The gas is eliminated through breathing and oxygen filtering. In general, there are no side effects or serious complications associated with the use of anesthetic gas for children in dental treatments.

**Why is laughing gas called this name?**

 

Laughing gas is called this name because of its effect on the feelings and general mood of the person who inhales it. When used, the person feels joy and happiness, which makes him laugh and enjoy the moment. Laughing gas also helps relieve stress and anxiety, and gives a feeling of relaxation and calm. Therefore, laughing gas is worth itThe nickname "laughing gas" is because it adds more joy and pleasure to the experience.

**Can you breastfeed after dental anesthesia?**

 

After using laughing gas to numb teeth in children, mothers may be concerned about the effect on breastfeeding. However, it is good to know that laughing gas does not affect the child's ability to breastfeed. Mothers can breastfeed their children naturally shortly after the effects of laughing gas wear off. So, there is no need to worry about its effect on breast milk or the child's ability to breastfeed. Mothers can continue their normal breastfeeding pattern after using laughing gas for dental treatment.

**When does the body get rid of carbon monoxide?**

 

When laughing gas is used in dental treatment, nitrous oxide is produced, which causes anesthesia. After the gas is used, the body begins to get rid of the resulting carbon monoxide. In general, the body needs about 5 to 10 minutes to get rid of the effects of carbon monoxide after stopping the use of laughing gas. It is important to wait until the effect of the gas wears off and the child regains full consciousness before breastfeeding, to avoid any risks related to breathing or direct absorption of carbon monoxide.

**What is the use of laughing gas for children?**

 

Laughing gas is one of the most common anesthetics in dentistry. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends the use of nitrous oxide in the following cases:

- Children who are afraid, anxious, or uncooperative.

- Children with special needs.

- Children who have gag reflexes (such as vomiting when dental instruments are inserted into their mouths).

- Children who do not respond adequately to local anesthesia.

- Young children who need long procedures.

- Children who are very active.

Nitrous oxide affects the body in several ways, as it works to:

- Prevent the transmission of nerve signals that cause anxiety.

- Release norepinephrine, which reduces pain signals in the body.

- Increase the release of dopamine, which leads to a feeling of joy.

Therefore, laughing gas is used as an anesthetic and sedative for children in dental clinics.

**Steps for treating children's teeth using laughing gas**

After installing the mask, only oxygen is flowed for a few minutes until the child adapts to the situation, then laughing gas begins to flow with oxygen throughout the treatment period.

Sometimes, pleasant smells are added to make the child more receptive to wearing the mask and inhaling the gas.

The effect of laughing gas begins after a few minutes, and it does not lead to the child falling asleep, but rather makes him feel calm with the ability to interact with the doctor and follow instructions.

When inhaling laughing gas, the child will feel light-headed as if in a dream, while he may feel heavy in his arms and legs, and he may also notice a slight tingling sensation in his extremities.

After the procedure is completed, the doctor will remove the mask, and the child will recover from the effects of laughing gas within a few minutes. The child may be given only oxygen to completely get rid of the effects of nitrous oxide before leaving the clinic.

**Side effects of laughing gas**

Although laughing gas is considered safe when used correctly, there are some side effects that the patient may feel, including:

- **Nausea and dizziness**: Some people may experience nausea or dizziness after inhaling the gas.

- **Tingling**: A person may feel numbness in the extremities.

- **Changes in mental state**: Some patients may experience temporary changes in mood, such as feeling euphoric or laughing excessively.

- **Rare respiratory problems**: In rare cases, using the gas in high doses may lead to breathing difficulties.

**Important instructions for using laughing gas**

- **Medical supervision**: It is necessary to use laughing gas under the supervision of a specialist doctor to ensure safety and adjust the appropriate dose.

- **Use during pregnancy**: It is preferable not to use it for pregnant women unless necessary and under close medical supervision.

- **Do not overuse**: Excessive or repeated use of nitrous oxide can lead to serious side effects on the nervous and immune systems.

- **Children**: Laughing gas can be used with children, but doses should be determined according to age and weight.

Tips for using laughing gas:

Before starting to use the gas, it is best to consult your doctor about the appropriate dose, benefits, and potential risks.

Make sure to adjust the dose carefully to avoid any side effects.

Tell your doctor about any health conditions that may affect the use of the gas, such as heart disease or breathing problems.

**Damages of laughing gas**

**Short-term damage:** includes excessive sweating, tremors, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, in addition to hallucinations or changes in voice. It is important to monitor any symptoms or allergic reactions that may appear after inhaling nitrous oxide, such as: fever, tremors, hives, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

**Long-term damage:** There may be special risks in certain cases, such as pregnancy in the first trimester, a history of respiratory diseases or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, vitamin B-12 deficiency, a history of mental illness, or a history of drug use.

**Harms of laughing gas to children:** Nitrous oxide is considered safe for children in most cases, as is the case with adults. However, children and infants can experience short-term damage and side effects when inhaling this gas, such as: headache, vomiting, nausea, tremors, and fatigue. The child may appear confused and irritable after receiving the gas, but these effects usually disappear quickly and do not lead to long-term damage.

**Overdose of laughing gas**

Although laughing gas is used medically and is considered safe in many cases, there are risks associated with taking it in excessive doses. Some symptoms may appear in this case, such as: irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat, wheezing while breathing, coughing, difficulty inBreathing, feeling of tightness or suffocation in the chest, seizures, blue fingers and extremities, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, high blood pressure, and possible brain damage if the problem is not treated.

**Tips for caring for your child's teeth**

It is important that the toothbrush has a soft texture to avoid gum irritation.

Choosing bright brush colors can encourage the child to brush his teeth regularly.

There are some types of toothpaste with flavors that children prefer, and they can be used after consulting a doctor.

When buying toothpaste for children, make sure that it contains one thousand parts per million of fluoride.

You should be careful to brush your child's teeth twice a day.

The duration of brushing the teeth should not be less than 120 seconds each time.

The amount of toothpaste on the brush should be the size of a pea.

Make sure that the child spits out the toothpaste after brushing the teeth.

It is not preferable to rinse the mouth well after using the toothpaste, but rather it is preferable for the teeth to benefit from the remaining amount of fluoride.

Make sure to have regular checkups with your dentist every 6 months.

It is preferable to eat foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, as they help strengthen teeth.