Is Nitrous Oxide Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy changes a lot about how you take care of yourself, and that includes your dental visits. If you have an appointment coming up at Smiles of Chevy Chase and you’ve used nitrous oxide (laughing gas) in the past to ease dental anxiety, it’s natural to wonder whether it’s still an option now that you’re expecting.
The short answer is no, nitrous oxide isn’t recommended during pregnancy. But that doesn’t mean you have to choose between your comfort and your baby’s safety or put off dental care until after delivery. Dr. Despina Markogiannakis and the team at Smiles of Chevy Chase regularly treat pregnant patients throughout Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Spring, MD, and there are safe, effective ways to manage anxiety and discomfort at every stage of pregnancy. Here’s what you should know before your next visit.
Need a dental cleaning? Call our Chevy Chase dental office at (301) 652-2939 to schedule your dental appointment.
Why Nitrous Oxide Isn’t Recommended During Pregnancy
Nitrous oxide is classified by the American Dental Association as a pregnancy risk group Category C medication, meaning there’s a possibility it could pose a risk to fetal development. Because of that, the ADA advises that pregnant patients avoid nitrous oxide exposure altogether, and dental teams follow the same precaution with pregnant staff members.
This isn’t a reflection of nitrous oxide being unsafe in general—outside of pregnancy, it remains one of the most well-studied and lowest-risk sedation options in dentistry. The concern is specific to fetal exposure, which is why it’s treated differently for pregnant patients than for anyone else sitting in the chair.
If you’re pregnant, or think you might be, the most important thing you can do is tell your dental team before treatment begins—not after you’re already in the chair. That single conversation is what allows Dr. Markogiannakis to adjust your entire treatment plan around what’s safe for you and your baby.
What You Can Use Instead: Safe Pain and Anxiety Management During Pregnancy
The good news is that skipping nitrous oxide doesn’t mean skipping comfort. A few of the options Dr. Markogiannakis and her team may use instead:
- Local anesthetic (lidocaine). Lidocaine, with or without epinephrine, is considered safe to use during pregnancy and remains the primary way we manage pain for routine procedures like fillings or extractions.
- Non-drug anxiety techniques. Simple adjustments—shorter appointments, more frequent breaks, a slower pace, noise-canceling headphones, or just talking through each step beforehand—go a long way for patients who are more sensitive to stress during pregnancy.
- Careful scheduling. Many pregnant patients feel most comfortable during the second trimester, when morning sickness has typically eased, and the risk of complications from any procedure is lowest. We’ll work with you to find the timing that fits your pregnancy and your treatment needs.
- Non-opioid pain relief. If medication is needed after a procedure, we default to the lowest effective dose of the safest option, and we’ll coordinate directly with the decision of your OB-GYN if anything stronger is ever necessary.
Is It Safe to Get Dental Care at All While Pregnant?
Yes, and it’s actually important that you do. Pregnancy hormones can increase your risk of gum inflammation and gingivitis, which makes routine cleanings and checkups more important during pregnancy, not less. Putting off care isn’t the safer choice; adjusting how care is delivered is.
A few specific things pregnant patients often ask about:
- Routine cleanings and exams are safe throughout pregnancy and recommended as part of normal prenatal health.
- Dental X-rays, when needed, are considered safe with proper shielding of the abdomen and thyroid, which our team uses as standard practice for every patient, pregnant or not.
- Necessary procedures like tooth-colored fillings or infection treatment shouldn’t be delayed simply because you’re pregnant; untreated dental infections carry their own risks and are generally considered more concerning than treating them promptly with pregnancy-safe methods.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before your visit, let our front desk know you’re pregnant when you schedule, and mention it again to Dr. Markogiannakis at check-in—even if you already noted it. From there, she’ll review your medical history, talk through what the procedure involves, and confirm which pain management approach makes sense for that specific visit. If you have any restrictions or notes from your OB-GYN, bring those along so we can coordinate care together.
Expecting and Need Dental Care? Schedule a Pregnancy-Safe Visit at Smiles of Chevy Chase
You shouldn’t have to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a healthy smile. Dr. Despina Markogiannakis and the team at Smiles of Chevy Chase are experienced in treating pregnant patients with safe, comfortable care tailored to every stage of pregnancy. We welcome patients throughout Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Rockville, and Silver Spring, MD.
Call our Chevy Chase dental office at (301) 652-0656 to schedule your appointment, or stop by our office at 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 810, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Let’s talk about how to keep your smile healthy safely throughout your pregnancy.
