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 (N₂O) sedation.

Aim: To examine the association between a child's temperament and behavioural outcomes during dental treatment with N₂O sedation, and the child's perception to N₂O 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 N₂O 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 N₂O sedation and can be used to predict a child's behaviour.