As a parent, you undoubtedly do everything you can to keep your son or daughter healthy. So when your dentist recommends that your little one has dental x-rays taken, you may find yourself wondering just how safe this step is. However, you can rest assured knowing that modern dental X-rays are safer than ever before. Read on to learn more about this important tool for your child’s growing smile.
Why Do Children Need Dental X-Rays?
While some parents think that there is no point in having baby teeth x-rayed, that is simply not the case. The health of your child’s baby teeth plays a key role in the development of their permanent teeth. X-rays allow your dentist to spot potential problems that would otherwise be hidden and correct them as early as possible. Dental x-rays for kids allow dentists to:
- See how many teeth are still inside the gums and what position they’re in.
- Determine if there’s enough space to fit all incoming teeth.
- Diagnose cavities, cracks, or other issues in the teeth that can only be seen with an X-ray.
- Check for problems with the roots of a tooth or the jawbone.
- Ensure that permanent teeth are coming in properly.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?
X-ray technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the years. Modern dental X-rays are taken digitally, which reduces radiation exposure by 80-90%. In fact, some studies suggest that the amount of radiation a child is exposed to in a bite-wing X-ray is roughly equivalent to the radiation they’re exposed to from the environment on a daily basis. What’s more, lead aprons are commonly used to help protect the rest of his or her body from any radiation at all.
How Often Do Children Need X-Rays?
Numerous factors go into determining how often your son or daughter should have dental X-rays taken. Many dentists recommend that children should start getting dental X-rays as soon as they have teeth that are touching. If your little one has a history of tooth decay or has several cavities, X-rays should typically be taken every six months until the decay has been treated. However, if your child has good oral health and isn’t at a high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may suggest that they get X-rays taken every 12-24 months.
At first, dental X-rays for kids may sound slightly alarming, but there’s no need to worry. This helpful technology is a safe, reliable tool that will help keep your little one’s smile happy and healthy!
About the Practice
At Tic-Tac-Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we’re passionate about helping the growing smiles of Naperville, IL stay beautiful and strong. Our talented team of board-certified specialists use a combination of the latest dental techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure that every treatment is as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible. We are proud to use digital X-rays, silver diamine fluoride, gluten-free toothpaste, and more to ensure that your child receives the best care possible. If you’d like to learn more about our advanced technology, we can be reached via our website or at (630) 995-3393.