Temperament and past behaviour can predict behaviour success for nitrous oxide sedation

Background There is currently insufficient evidence on potential predictors of a child's behaviour with nitrous oxide (N 2 O) sedation. Aim To examine the association between a child's temperament and behavioural outcomes during dental treatment with N 2 O sedation, and the child's perception to N 2 O sedation. Design At the first visit (dental treatment visit), temperament was assessed using the Child Behaviour Questionnaire—Short Form and behaviour was assessed by an independent rater using the Venham Behaviour Rating Scale. At the second visit, the child's experience with N 2 O sedation was elicited. Results Seventy‐two healthy children aged between 36 and 95 months were recruited. Planned dental treatment was completed in 84.7% of the subjects. Venham behaviour success <3 and Venham behaviour success <1 were achieved in 73.6% and 33.3%, respectively. The temperament domain of effortful control was associated with Venham behaviour score (ρ = −0.266, p = .024) and Venham behaviour success <1 (OR = 3.506, 95% CI = 1.328–9.259, p = .011). Baseline Frankl behaviour score was significantly associated with all behavioural outcomes. Venham behaviour success <3 was significantly associated with a child reporting to have enjoyed the dental treatment visit (p = .026). Conclusion Effortful control and baseline behaviour were associated with behavioural outcomes of N 2 O sedation and can be used to predict a child's behaviour.