Helping Kids Feel Calm, Comfortable & Confident at the Dentist!
🪂 What Is Nitrous Oxide (N2O)?
Nitrous Oxide, or “Happy Air,” is a safe and gentle gas used to help your child:
- 💨 Relax during their dental visit
- 😊 Feel calm and comfortable
- 💬 Communicate easily with the dental team
It’s mixed with oxygen and breathed through a small nose mask. It starts working within minutes and wears off just as fast once we stop using it!
🧠 Your child stays awake, alert, and keeps all natural reflexes — just feels a bit more at ease.
🏫 Can My Child Go Back to School After?
Absolutely!
We give your child a few minutes of pure oxygen at the end of the visit to clear out the N2O. There are:
- ❌ No lingering effects
- ✅ No restrictions afterward
- 🚌 Most kids are ready to return to school or play!
🛡️ Is It Safe?
Yes! Nitrous Oxide is:
- 🫁 Inhaled with oxygen
- ✨ Very mild — not strong enough to cause sleep
- 💬 Allows your child to talk and respond the whole time
- 🌬️ Actually increases oxygen intake compared to normal air!
🤢 Are There Any Side Effects?
Side effects are rare, but here’s what to know:
- A few kids may not like the nose mask
- Some may feel a little queasy (we keep communication open so they can tell us right away!)
- Most kids love how it feels and have a more positive experience
🧸 We stay in constant contact with your child to make sure they’re feeling good.
🤔 Can We Try Without It First?
We get this question a lot!
It’s actually better to start with Happy Air, even just at a low level, and adjust as needed. If a child becomes anxious mid-treatment, N2O won’t work as well.
💡 The benefit? It’s easily adjustable throughout the procedure — more if needed, less if not!
🌿 Is It Safe for Kids With Allergies?
Yes!
N2O is considered very safe, even for children with allergies. Only a few rare medical conditions would prevent its use — we’ll always review your child’s health history before using it.
🥪 Can My Child Eat Before Their Visit?
Yes!
We recommend a light meal about 1 hour before the appointment. This helps avoid an upset tummy and keeps them comfortable.
💬 Questions?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions or want to talk about whether Nitrous Oxide is right for your child, just give us a call or ask at your next visit.