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
- Dental Offices
Related Product or Place
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