Berkeley Parents Network: Dental X-Rays

Berkeley Parents Network

Dental X-Rays

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Advice about Health > Dental X-Rays

Do kids really need mouth x-rays?

Do kids really need mouth x-rays?

Jan 2005

Most dentists seem to recommend dental x-ray for my kids every one to two years. That sounds like a lot of radiation to me especially when they are done as routine and not because of any specific reasons. I am seeing several doctors myself due to a benign tumor on one of my salivary glands. In each case, I was asked whether I had extensive dental x-ray or other radiation therapy done in the vicinity of my tumor. That reinforces my suspicion that routine dental x-ray is not that good for you. I would like to hear more opinions. I wonder if most dentists do routine dental x-ray on their own children this frequently. anon

My (adult) dentist has begun using phosphorescent storage plates instead of standard X-ray film. It's a new technology that only requires a tiny fraction of the radiation that is used to shoot a standard X-ray. I don't know which pediatric dentists are using this system, but if you're concerned it might be worth checking around. heidi

every time I have taken my 5 year old to the dentist, they insist on taking x-rays of her mouth. Each time, I have refused. The last time I took her the dentist told me they were necessary to see if there were any problems with her adult teeth forming. I asked her what could be done about it at this point and she said she would refer me to a specialist to 'monitor' my daughter's progress. The whole thing sounds like an insurance rip off to me, so I have changed dentists. no more radiation!

I am a dentist, and also a mom. X-rays are helpful in detecting cavities in between the teeth (which we cannnot see physically), and for checking any abnormalities in the bone (ie- permanent teeth coming in crooked, cysts, etc.) When I see a young patient (4-6yr), I'll take 1 X-ray each of the top & bottom teeth to make sure that the permanent teeth are there and on their way to coming in, and for cavities. Then I would also take 2 bitewing X-rays(one on each side) of the back teeth to check for cavities, and position of permanent teeth. Then depending on the cavity rate, I would repeat the X-rays every 1 or 1.5 yr. Cavities can occur & spread quickly in baby teeth, and it's important to catch them in the initial stages. It's all part of doing a complete & thorough exam for the patient. After all, baby teeth are real important to help the kids eat & grow, and maintain space in the mouth for permanent teeth to erupt to avoid braces later on. It's not good to lose baby teeth. By the way, the first dental visit should be no later than 3-yr old. Linh

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