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 or other reproductive harm.
Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposure 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?

A dental patient breathes in nitrous oxide when it is used during a dental procedure.
During pregnancy, nitrous oxide can pass from mother to baby when the mother undergoes a dental procedure using this gas.

How can I reduce my exposure to nitrous oxide during dental care?

Have regular dental checkups and practice good oral hygiene.
When planning dental work, especially during pregnancy, talk with your doctor or dentist about anesthetic options other than nitrous oxide.

For more information:

Scientific Fact Sheets and Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Controlling Exposures to Nitrous Oxide During Anesthetic Administration
- Control of Nitrous Oxide in Dental Operatories

Dental Oral Health

California Dental Association (CDA)
- Oral Health Fact Sheets
- Nitrous Oxide

Proposition 65

California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets