Dental radiographs or X-rays are a vital tool we utilize to ensure optimal dental health for your child. Through X-rays, we can detect imperfections in teeth, bones, and soft tissues within the mouth that may not be visible during a regular visual examination. X-rays enable us to identify cavities, abnormalities, and injuries to their jaw or teeth that would otherwise go unnoticed. Early detection of any issues allows us to provide timely treatment before they escalate into more serious problems, which can also be more costly to address.
However, many parents inquire, “Are dental X-rays safe for my child?” This article aims to demystify radiation and address commonly asked questions related to its safety.
Radiation:
Radiation may sound intimidating, but it’s not always something to be feared. Essentially, radiation refers to any form of energy that travels in the form of particles or waves. For instance, the light emitted by a light bulb and the signals transmitted by a cell phone are both considered forms of radiation. While certain types of radiation can indeed be harmful, many forms occur naturally in our environment and are not considered hazardous.
When X-ray technology was initially introduced in medicine, it posed greater risks due to longer exposure times required to capture images, resulting in increased radiation exposure for patients. However, modern dental X-ray technology has undergone significant advancements compared to its early days, leading to substantially reduced exposure times and radiation levels. Most dentists, like the one below, utilize these advanced X-ray systems,it is ok for child and adult.
Can dental X-rays cause cancer?
Frequent and unnecessary dental X-rays can potentially increase the risk of cancer, similar to prolonged exposure to sunlight without adequate skin protection leading to skin cancer. However, as long as X-rays are performed judiciously and as needed, they should not have a negative impact on your child’s health.
How much radiation is involved in a dental X-ray?
The average American receives approximately 3 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation annually from natural sources such as sunlight and elements in soil, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. In contrast, a routine dental radiograph emits only about 0.04-0.15 mSv of radiation. This implies that a child would need to undergo between 20-75 dental X-rays per year to be exposed to the same amount of radiation they naturally receive from their environment.
Considering that children are more sensitive to radiation than adults (due to its stronger effects on their developing bodies), it’s essential for their dentist to have specialized training in performing X-rays on pediatric patients.
