Parental Knowledge and Acceptance of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen Inhalation Sedation during Dental Treatment for Children in Saudi Arabia

A BSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate parental knowledge and acceptance of nitrous oxide and oxygen inhalation sedation (NOIS) as a behavior management technique during pediatric dental treatment in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A total of 293 parents (aged 20–65 years), each accompanying a child aged 3–14 years, were enrolled and completed a pretested, structured 29-item multiple-choice questionnaire, in which the first section collected informed consent, demographic data, and baseline knowledge of NOIS, while the second section included an educational video on NOIS followed by questions assessing parental acceptance post-intervention. Results: Before viewing the educational video, 72.7% of parents reported having heard of NOIS as a behavior management technique. However, only 69.3% believed it could benefit their child during dental procedures, indicating gaps in understanding. Following the intervention, 89.8% of parents perceived NOIS as a safe option for their child. Parental acceptance was notably higher among those whose children had previously displayed uncooperative behavior during dental visits. Conclusion: The findings indicate that although parents have an awareness of NOIS, they lack a detailed understanding of it. Educational interventions, such as instructional videos provided by dentists, may significantly enhance both knowledge and acceptance of NOIS and facilitate more effective behavior management during pediatric dental procedures.