The purpose of dental x-rays is to give dentists a better look at the inside of the mouth where they cannot see with the naked eye. By finding dental issues early, they can be treated, and patients are much more likely to make a full recovery. However, parents are often concerned about the safety of dental x-rays and how they affect their children. Read on to learn more about dental x-rays and the many benefits that they have for your kids’ oral health.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids?
Dental x-rays are photos taken on the inside of the teeth of gums. To capture these images, low levels of radiation are used. This works because soft tissues do not easily absorb the radiation, but bones and teeth do, so they show up when the photo is taken. Today, digital x-rays produce 90% less radiation levels than old school film x-rays. This means that they are clearer, process faster, and are safer! The amount of radiation that patients are exposed to in a bite-wing x-ray is roughly equivalent to the amount that they are exposed to in the environment on a daily basis.
The benefits of x-rays far outweigh any risks of being exposed to this minimal dose of radiation. Even though x-rays are proven to be relatively harmless, their dentist ensures that your child is even safer by making sure they wear a lead apron to further minimize any potential impact.
Dental Issues that Dental X-Rays Detect in Children
There are many different things that dentists look for when reviewing children’s dental x-rays. Here are some of the most common:
- Decay present between the teeth. Children are generally more susceptible to tooth decay than adults.
- Determine if there is enough space in the mouth for all incoming teeth.
- See if primary teeth are being lost at a fast enough rate for permanent teeth to erupt properly.
- Check for the development of wisdom teeth and identify if they are impacted.
- Reveal other developmental abnormalities, like cysts and certain types of tumors.
How Often Should Kids Get Dental X-Rays?
Both the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend that children who are higher risk for oral health issues have their dental x-rays taken every six months. For children who have generally healthy dental exams, their dentist may decrease the frequency.
With modern dental technology, dental x-rays are perfectly safe and a necessary step in oral healthcare to catch dental problems. This way, issues can be corrected before becoming serious.
About the Author
Dr. Paul Miller earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from VCU School of Dentistry and has excelled in all aspects of dentistry ever since. This includes pediatric care, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and surgical extractions. To learn more about dental x-rays or to schedule an appointment for your child at his office in Altavista, visit his website or call (434) 324-8241.