Nitrous Oxide Use in Dental Care
Why am I being warned about potential exposure to nitrous oxide?
- Nitrous oxide is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
- Women exposed to nitrous oxide may experience reduced fertility. Exposure during pregnancy may cause loss of pregnancy and birth defects.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposures to listed chemicals.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas”, is a gas used in combination with other gases to ease pain and anxiety during certain dental procedures.
How does exposure to nitrous oxide occur during dental care?
- Dental patients breathe in nitrous oxide when it is used in a dental procedure.
- Nitrous oxide can pass to the unborn baby when it is given to a pregnant woman during a dental procedure.
How can I reduce my exposure to nitrous oxide during dental care?
- Talk to your doctor or dentist about anesthetic options other than nitrous oxide in planning for dental work.
- Maintain good dental health.
For more information:
Nitrous Oxide in Dental Offices Fact Sheets and Resources:
- US Department of Health Human Services (HHS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Dental Oral Health:
- California Dental Association (CDA)
- Oral Health Fact Sheets (38 fact sheets in six different languages)
- Nitrous Oxide
Proposition 65:
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The Chemical List
- Nitrous Oxide
Related Chemical(s)
- Dental Offices
Related Product or Place
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the content of this page, please click here.
Search
Quick Links
Most Recent Fact Sheets
Sign-up for Email Updates
