{"id":40,"date":"2024-02-21T18:32:59","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T18:32:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toothclues.com\/blog\/?p=40"},"modified":"2024-02-21T18:33:01","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T18:33:01","slug":"are-dental-x-rays-safe-for-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toothclues.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/21\/are-dental-x-rays-safe-for-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Safe for Children to Get Dental X-rays?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As a parent, navigating the facts and fiction of what you hear on the internet, in parent blogs, and from others can be difficult. It can blur the lines between what you know<\/em> to be good for your child, and what others believe is right. Finding the truth among all of this can be difficult, especially when it comes to hot topics like dental X-rays for children. While some deem dental X-rays unsafe, professional organizations and pediatric dental experts acknowledge how crucial they are to ensure smiles develop properly and without complication. Below, you can learn the truth about dental X-rays<\/a> to make an informed decision that is best for your child. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What are Dental X-Rays & How Do They Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

X-ray imaging has come a long way, even since the early 2000s. In the past, the images were captured on film, which not only took awhile to develop, but they also were not of great quality. Today, most dentists utilize digital X-ray imaging, which works similarly to the camera application on your phone. All the dentist has to do is snap a picture in order for it to appear on a computer so they can review it. Granted, though, the photo is taken with a giant tube instead of your phone! The quality is much better, and no chemicals or development period is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

X-ray machines are able to emit electromagnetic radiation that passes through most objects, like the body, allowing a photo to be taken of the organs, bones, and other structures underlying the skin. However, parents are sometimes concerned about the radiation their children will be exposed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organizations like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Dental Association, and Food and Drug Administration recommend dental radiographs to help diagnose and monitor the smile, as well as make treatment plans for dental issues affecting children. This is because the amount of radiation exposure is very minimal. In fact, children are exposed to much more radiation playing outside in nature than taking one or two dental X-rays each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are Children\u2019s Dental X-Rays Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pediatric dentists, as well as the AAPD, typically recommend that children receive an X-ray every six to 12 months, depending on a variety of risk factors, in order to identify and prevent common dental health conditions. Some of the problems that can be spotted on these diagnostic images include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n