Growing up, one of my favorite Disney songs was ‘I love to laugh’ which was sung by Uncle Albert in the musical Mary Poppins. I loved it for its chipper beat and relatable message. I mean, who doesn’t love to laugh? Here are some of my favorite lines:
“The more I laugh, the more I’m filled with glee! And the more the glee, the more I’m a merrier me!”
At Burg Children’s Dentistry, we understand that visiting the dentist can be scary for anyone, especially children. The florescent lighting, sounds of the drill, and smells of fluoride make even adults uncomfortable. We also know that laughter can be the perfect medicine to alleviate fears and help children feel more at ease. This is why we offer nitrous oxide, aka as ‘laughing gas’, to our patients during nerve wracking and painful dental procedures.
Here’s how Laughing Gas Works:
Laughing gas was first used in 1844 to ease tension during unpleasant dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, and dental inlays. Inhaling laughing gas produces mind and mood altering effects and because of the euphoric way it can make a person feel it can either make you want to smile and giggle till you can’t stop, or provide a warm, pleasant and relaxed feeling.
What can be better than this when you’re sitting in an uncomfortable dentist’s chair waiting to get a painful cavity filled? We want parents to know that laughing gas is very comfortable for children and most of our patients have a wonderful experience. Before they know it, the procedure is over and they’re not focused on the pain! They’re full of laughter and smiles.
5 reasons why parents can feel comfortable allowing their children to use laughing gas:
- Nitrous oxide has been proven again and again to be a safe and easy sedative. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests laughing gas may be the “safest sedative in dentistry”.
- We will monitor the gas level and your child’s responses every time to ensure they’re comfortable, safe and happy.
- Your child will be laughing in no time and the effects only lasts only a couple minutes after the gas is turned off.
- It reduces pain and anxiety instantly.
- Nitrous oxide has been proven to provide comfort and safety for children of all ages.
If your child is coming in for a procedure and you want to introduce them to laughing gas we will make sure to explain the purpose of the gas mask and work to establish their comfort level every step of the way. If you have any more questions or concerns feel free to call us! At Burg, we appreciate our clients and are always here to offer support!
