
It’s important for your child’s current and future health that we watch out for tooth decay. Taking x-rays is a critical part of staying one step ahead of this common disease.
But while x-ray imaging is commonplace, we can’t forget it’s still a form of radiation that could be potentially harmful, especially for a child whose tissues are rapidly developing. We must, therefore, carefully weigh the potential benefits against risk.
This concern has given birth to an important principle in the use of x-rays known as ALARA, an acronym for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” In basic terms, we want to use the lowest amount of x-ray energy for the shortest period of time to gain the most effectiveness in diagnosing tooth decay and other conditions.
A good example of this principle is a common type of radiograph known as a bitewing. The exposable x-ray film is attached to a plastic devise that looks like a wing; the patient bites down on it to hold it in place while the x-ray exposure takes place. Depending on the number of teeth in a child’s mouth, an appointment usually involves 2 to 4 films, and children are typically spaced at six months apart. Frequency of x-rays depends on your child’s tooth decay risk: lower risk, less need for frequent intervals.
Each bitewing exposes the child to 2 microsieverts, the standard unit for radiation measurement. This amount of radiation is relatively low: by contrast, we’re all exposed to 10 microsieverts of background radiation (natural radiation occurring in the environment) every day or 3,600 microsieverts annually. Even two appointments of four bitewings each year is a fraction of a percent of the background radiation we’re exposed to in the same year.
This conservative use of x-rays is well within safe parameters for children. As x-ray technology continues to advance (as with the development of digital imaging) we anticipate the exposure rate to diminish even more. Prudently used, x-rays remain one of our best tools for ensuring your child’s teeth are healthy and developing normally.
If you would like more information on the use of x-rays with children, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “X-Ray Safety for Children.”
Comments:
Blog Content
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2010
Tags
- celebrity smiles (79)
- oral health (19)
- smile (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (35)
- fluoride (1)
- floss (1)
- teeth whitening (12)
- dental implants (25)
- bonding (3)
- diabetes (2)
- sealants (2)
- tmd (2)
- tmj (3)
- snoring (2)
- sleep apnea (2)
- root canal (3)
- dental implant (1)
- smile makeover (10)
- dental hygiene (2)
- veneers (4)
- bridgework (1)
- nutrition (2)
- inflammation (1)
- gum disease (2)
- periodontal disease (1)
- bleeding gums (1)
- gingivitis (1)
- dentures (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- tooth colored fillings (1)
- dental fillings (1)
- oral hygiene (20)
- crown (1)
- pediatric dentistry (8)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- chipped tooth (4)
- sugar substitutes (1)
- dental exam (1)
- bruxism (1)
- clear aligners (2)
- orthodontics (5)
- orthodontic treatment (5)
- braces (9)
- clear orthodontic aligners (1)
- xylitol (1)
- smoking (1)
- nightguard (1)
- grinding teeth (1)
- bridge (1)
- bone grafting (2)
- tmj disorders (4)
- dental injury (6)
- mouthguard (2)
- air abrasion (1)
- dental cleanings (1)
- wisdom teeth (3)
- teeth wear (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- partial dentures (2)
- bad breath (1)
- root canal treatment (2)
- chipped teeth (1)
- bulimia (1)
- aspirin (1)
- crowns (6)
- Family Dentist (3)
- x-rays (1)
- seniors (1)
- mouthguards (3)
- partial denture (2)
- tooth extractions (2)
- tooth extraction (3)
- toothprints (1)
- tooth decay (2)
- tooth pain (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- Bridges (1)
- restorative dentistry (2)
- cosmetic fillings (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- fillings (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- smile design (2)
- plaque (1)
- dental crowns (1)
- dental bridges (1)
- extractions (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental specialists (1)
- athletic mouthguard (1)
- Preventive Care (1)
- Teeth Brushing (1)
- Flossing (1)
- GERD (1)
- chewing tobacco (1)
- canker sore (1)