Let's be more conscious about the misuse of nitrous oxide

Abstract

Highlights the increasingly concerning problem surrounding the misuse of nitrous oxide amongst the general public. Improves the understanding of the dangers of using nitrous oxide recreationally and how to support patients with a drug problem. Highlights the support services available for dentists and doctors struggling with a drug problem. Following the 'No laughing matter' article published in 2020 by Dr Croser, this paper further highlights the increasingly concerning problem of the illicit use of nitrous oxide. Since 1884, the benefits of nitrous oxide have been exploited in the field of dentistry. Its analgesic and mild anaesthetic properties, alongside suggestive hypnosis and reassurance, are often enough to relieve the anxieties of our patients sufficiently to enable dental treatment. When used appropriately, it has a wide margin of safety and no significant side effects. However, the instantaneous feeling of euphoria experienced after inhaling the drug lends itself to recreational use. This is becoming more popular among the younger generations of the population; the drug is both incredibly easy and cheap to purchase, at only 22p a cannister. More than half a million teenagers and young adults are using this drug at present. Grieving parents of teenagers who have tragically lost their lives to this drug are pleading for people to stop, and for The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to criminalise nitrous oxide. Let's be more aware of the dangers of nitrous oxide, encourage those to seek help when they need it and refer to local drug support services - it could help to save lives.