The importance of health during X-rays is becoming a cause of concern presently. The numbers are increasing tremendously among the X-ray of the child’s teeth. Before we understand what are the consequences, precautions to these consequences, and their importance. Let me emphasize the fact that the benefits and risks of x-ray depend on the health condition of the patient.
Some of the common questions that are asked to a pediatric dentist is-
Are dental x-rays safe?
Yes, dental x-rays are safe because the radiation that is involved in a dental x-ray is very less, and it has become extremely safe now with the availability of digital x-rays, with even much less radiation and more safety for children.
Why do we take dental X-rays for children?
We need to take dental x-rays for children because there are certain areas in the tooth and the gums which are not visible to the naked eye, so a dental X-ray is required to see those areas.
Dental x rays in a child’s teeth are required for a variety of purposes like-
- For proper diagnosis and to understand the severity of the dental disease.
- We need dental X-rays to evaluate the growth of children and their jaws.
- A dental X-ray is needed to understand how the permanent teeth are growing and developing.
How safe are dental x-rays?
Pediatric dentists are particularly careful to minimize the exposure of their patients to radiation. With the help of modern safeguards methods, the amount of radiation received in a dental x-ray is very small. Dental x-rays have a little risk than the undetected and untreated dental diseases.
What methods are used to protect my child’s teeth from X-rays?
The exposure-led body aprons in Shields help protect your child today. It is equipment that restricts the X-ray beam to the area of interest. The high-speed film, digital X-rays, and proper shielding assure that your child receives a small minimal amount of radiation exposure.
After how many intervals should a child have a dental X-ray?
Every child is unique, so their need for dental x-rays varies from child to child. In general, children need x rays more often than adults because their mouths grow and change rapidly, they are more susceptible than adults to tooth decay. For children with a higher risk of tooth decay, the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends x-ray exams every six months to detect cavities that develop between the teeth of children. Those with a low risk of tooth decay require x rays less frequently.
Should we have an x-ray if my child never had a cavity?
X-rays detect more than just cavities, they are used to survey erupting teeth diagnose, bone disease, evaluate the results of an injury, or even plan orthodontic treatment.
Precautions to take with child teeth x-rays.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for the X-ray equipment, we need to take precautions with child’s teeth because young children are much more sensitive to radioactive rays and frequent exposure to these rays can lead to different health problems in children.
Kids need limited interaction with the X-ray machine than adults. Therefore, the X-ray dosage should be adequate like the modern machinery provides you.
To avoid the extent of visiting the dentist and getting an X-ray done, we should follow a few precautions like-
- Do regular brushing twice a day to keep the smile sheen.
- To remove plaque from teeth don’t forget to floss daily and remove bacteria from areas where a brush won’t reach.
- Do visit the dentist twice a year for a regular check-up.
- Improve eating habits by limiting tea, coffee, and red wine and quitting smoking.
- Only use a quality brush so that you don’t harm your gums.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
Dental X-rays allow the dentist to diagnose and treat conditions that cannot be detected with the naked eye. When dental problems are found and detected, early treatment is more comfortable and affordable.
