Readability of Arabic Web-Based Information on Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Pediatric Dental Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: Nitrous oxide inhalation sedation is a cornerstone of behavior management in pediatric dentistry, widely used to reduce anxiety and enhance cooperation in child dental patients. Online health information significantly influences parental understanding and decision-making regarding their children's dental treatment. However, the readability of Arabic web-based information on this topic remains unexplored. Objective: To assess the readability of Arabic web-based information on nitrous oxide sedation in pediatric dentistry using the Gunning Fog Index (GFI), with implications for parental understanding. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2026. The first 100 search results were screened from Google, Yahoo, and Bing using four Arabic search phrases. Eligible Arabic-language websites were analyzed using the online Gunning Fog Index calculator. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and readability was stratified by search engine and content source. The exact Arabic search terms used were "أكسيد النيتروز للأطفال" (nitrous oxide for children), "أكسيد النيتروز" (nitrous oxide), "الغاز الضاحك" (laughing gas), and "التخدير باستنشاق أكسيد النيتروز" (nitrous oxide inhalation sedation). The searches were conducted in May 2026 using standard browser settings (Google Chrome in incognito mode; Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA)) to minimize personalization effects. Results: Thirty-two websites met the inclusion criteria. The mean GFI was 9.92 ± 4.42 (range: 2.00-19.00), corresponding to a high school sophomore reading level. Only 12.5% (4/32) of websites met the American Medical Association's (AMA) recommended reading level (GFI ≤6). Most content originated from private dental practices (65.6%, 21/32). Public journals demonstrated significantly higher GFI scores (mean: 16.00 ± 3.46) compared to private practices (9.32 ± 3.96). Conclusion: Arabic web-based information on nitrous oxide sedation for pediatric dental patients exceeds recommended readability levels for parental education materials. Pediatric dentists and content creators should simplify online health information to improve parental comprehension.