Parents often wonder when it’s okay for their child to have their first dental X-ray. You might also be asking if dental X-rays are safe. The short answer is yes—especially with today’s technology. Dental X-rays are used carefully and only when they’re truly needed. They help dentists spot problems early, sometimes even before your child feels any pain or discomfort.
Let’s go over why X-rays are used, how they’re done safely, what the risks are, and how you can help keep your child comfortable and protected.
Why Do Kids Need Dental X-Rays?
X-rays let the dentist see what’s happening under your child’s gums, between teeth, and inside the jawbone. Sometimes, problems aren’t visible just by looking in the mouth. X-rays can show:
- Cavities forming between teeth
- Infections near the roots
- Baby teeth that haven’t fallen out properly
- Adult teeth coming in the wrong way
- Issues with the jaw or bones
- Signs of gum disease
They also help if your child has been hurt or if the dentist needs to plan treatment like braces, spacers, or other dental tools.
Most kids get their first dental X-rays around age 5 or 6. But if your child has a history of cavities, dental pain, or signs of oral issues, the dentist might recommend X-rays earlier.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?
Yes, they are. Dental X-rays are one of the safest types of medical imaging. They use a very small amount of radiation. And thanks to new technology, they’re even safer than before.
Digital X-rays are now used in most dental offices. They produce high-quality images almost instantly. Even better, they use up to 90% less radiation than older film X-rays.
There are also protective tools used during the process. A lead apron and a small collar protect your child’s body and thyroid gland from radiation. Dental offices follow strict safety rules set by state laws and health experts.
How Much Radiation Do Dental X-Rays Give Off?
It helps to understand how little radiation your child is exposed to during a dental X-ray.
- A single panoramic dental X-ray gives off about the same radiation as a 7-hour airplane flight.
- Four routine bitewing X-rays expose your child to the same amount of radiation as a 2-hour flight.
- You would need over 1,000 dental X-rays to reach the amount of radiation in just one CT scan.
So even if your child gets a few dental X-rays each year, it’s still a very small dose.
Types of Dental X-Rays Used for Kids
There are a few types of X-rays your child might receive, depending on their needs:
- Bitewing X-rays: Show the upper and lower teeth to check for cavities.
- Periapical X-rays: Focus on one or two teeth, from crown to root.
- Panoramic X-rays: Show the entire mouth in one image, useful for checking jaw growth or planning orthodontic care.
- Cone Beam 3D Imaging: Gives a detailed 3D picture of the mouth and jaw, usually used in more advanced cases.
Dentists only recommend X-rays that are truly helpful for diagnosis or treatment.
New X-Ray Technology Means Less Risk
Old film-based X-rays required more radiation to get a clear image. Today’s digital X-rays and cone beam imaging need much less. These updated tools give dentists better images while keeping kids safer.
With digital X-rays, the dentist can zoom in, adjust brightness, and look at details right away. The equipment is often designed with kids in mind, with child-sized sensors and faster image-taking.
What About the Long-Term Risk?
The long-term risk from dental X-rays is very low. Radiation exposure adds up over time, but dental X-rays only add a tiny amount. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both agree: the benefits of finding and treating problems early far outweigh the small risks.
Dentists follow something called the ALARA principle—this means “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” They only use X-rays when needed and keep radiation levels as low as possible.
What Can Parents Do?
You can be involved in your child’s care by doing a few things:
- Talk to the dentist about any dental pain, swelling, or past dental problems.
- Let the dentist know about any medical conditions your child has.
- Ask questions if you’re unsure why an X-ray is being recommended.
- Keep your child’s dental records updated to avoid repeating X-rays at other offices.
- Help your child stay calm during the appointment. Reassure them that X-rays don’t hurt and don’t take long.
X-rays aren’t needed at every check-up. If your child has healthy teeth and no history of dental problems, they might only need them every one to two years.
Your Child’s Comfort and Health Comes First
Dental X-rays can be a helpful part of keeping your child’s smile healthy. They’re safe, quick, and used only when needed. With newer technology and extra safety steps, the risks are very small.
If you have concerns or questions about your child’s dental X-rays, we’re happy to talk through them with you. We’re here to make sure both you and your child feel comfortable during every visit.
Need to schedule a cleaning or check-up? Call us today at (303) 933-2522 to make an appointment. We’ll help your child stay on track with a happy, healthy smile.
Category: For Kids