Dental X-rays for Kids: Are They Safe?

By Dr. Mohsen Alozaibi, Tiny Teeth Dental Center, Abu Dhabi

"Does she really need an X-ray? She's so small." It's a very reasonable question, and one I'm happy to answer at any visit. The short answer: dental X-rays for children use a very low dose of radiation, and they are only taken when the information they give is worth it.

Why would my child need an X-ray?

A dental examination shows a lot, but not everything. X-rays help us see:

• Cavities between the back teeth. Where two teeth touch, decay can grow quietly where neither the eye nor the toothbrush can reach. Catching it early often means a smaller, simpler filling.
• Developing adult teeth. We can check that the adult teeth are present, forming normally and heading in the right direction.
• Injuries. After a fall or a knock, an X-ray shows the root and surrounding bone, and helps us compare at follow-up visits.
• Infections and abscesses around the roots of a decayed tooth.
• Spacing and orthodontic planning when a child is older.

How much radiation is it?

We are all exposed to small amounts of natural background radiation every day, from the ground, the air, our food and even flights. The small X-rays used in children's dentistry give a very low dose, usually comparable to a small amount of this everyday background radiation, roughly similar to what you might receive on a short flight. Children's doses are kept lower still by using smaller settings suited to their size.

That said, any radiation should be kept as low as reasonably possible. That's why we follow two simple principles:

1. Only when needed. X-rays are not taken automatically at every visit. How often your child needs them depends on their own risk: a child with several cavities may need them more often than a child who has never had one. Many children with healthy teeth go a year or two, or longer, between X-rays. 2. As little as possible. Modern digital X-rays need less radiation than older film, the beam is kept small and aimed only at the area being checked, and a thyroid collar is used where appropriate.

If your child has had dental X-rays recently somewhere else, let us know, as we may be able to use them.

What will my child feel?

Nothing at all, apart from the small sensor in the mouth. For the common "bite-wing" X-ray, your child gently bites on a small holder for a second or two. Some children find the sensor a bit bulky, and children with a strong gag reflex may need a little extra patience. We show them the "camera" first, keep it playful, and stop if they need a break. The picture appears on the screen straight away, and many children enjoy seeing their own teeth.

A note for parents who may be pregnant

The X-ray beam is aimed only at your child's mouth, so a parent in the room receives very little exposure. Even so, if you are pregnant or might be, please tell the team. Usually the parent steps out or stands back during the X-ray, and if your child needs someone to hold their hand, another adult can do it.

Questions to feel free to ask

• Why does my child need this X-ray today?
• What are you looking for?
• When will the next one likely be needed?

A good dental team will be happy to explain.