Weighing in on ... Study Links Dental X-rays to increased risk of brain tumors

A recent study from the American Cancer Society journal has reported a link between dental x-rays and an increased risk to a certain type of benign brain tumor (meningioma). This report can seem alarming to a parent considering taking their young child to see a dentist.

The American Dental Association (ADA) responded with a press release to address some concerns this study may raise for the public. They state:

“The ADA has reviewed the study and notes that the results rely on the individuals' memories of having dental X-rays taken years earlier. Studies have shown that the ability to recall information is often imperfect. Therefore, the results of studies that use this design can be unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call "recall bias." Also, the study acknowledges that some of the subjects received dental x-rays decades ago when radiation exposure was greater. Radiation rates were higher in the past due to the use of old x-ray technology and slower speed film. The ADA encourages further research in the interest of patient safety.”

Also the “ADA encourages the use of abdominal shielding (e.g., protective aprons) and thyroid collars on all patients. In addition, the ADA recommends that dentists use E or F speed film, the two fastest film speeds available, or a digital x -ray.”

The dentists at Pediatric Dental Specialists are also parents or grandparents of young children - and we do not make the decision to take x-rays lightly. We follow the guidelines of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry on the use of x-rays to minimize the exposure to unnecessary x-rays to children and young adults.

• We use body aprons and shields with thyroid collars help protect young children and adolescents.
• We also use Ultra Speed film to assure that your child receives a minimal amount of radiation exposure.
• As an added precaution when a new patient comes from other dental offices we make our best effort to obtain copies of previous x-rays so as to avoid taking unneeded ones.
• All new patients receive a caries risk assessment by their doctor and registered dental assistant to assess the child’s own risk to cavities. This risk assessment is a series of questions about the child’s past dental history, diet and medical history that allows the doctor to assess the child’s risk of cavities as high, moderate or low.

• With this assessment we can tailor the frequency of x-rays to child’s own risk. Children that are at low risk of cavities may have bitewing x-rays taken every 18 months to 2 years. Children or adolescents with high risk of cavities may have bitewing x-rays taken every 6 months to 1 year. A panoramic x-ray is recommended after the child starts to grow their permanent teeth and once they begin orthodontic care or to check on the development of their wisdom teeth when they are in their teenage years.

Our office does not routinely take x-rays in a young child unless visible cavities are present or when the spaces between the back baby teeth start to close up which usually occurs around 5 years of age.

The bitewing x-ray allows us to verify that there are no cavities between the teeth.

The panoramic x-ray is valuable in that it allows us to diagnose missing or extra teeth, masses in the jaws, evaluate the development of the permanent teeth in the jaw as well as the wisdom teeth.

We have always emphasized to our dental families that the key to preventing dental cavities (and by consequence the need to take dental x-rays) is early dental exams. We support the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations that children establish a dental home by the age of 1 year or when the first tooth comes in whichever occurs first. Early dental care with a caries risks assessments and oral hygiene instructions can go a long way to minimize the need for x-rays and prevent cavities.

Cavities are an infectious disease and therefore preventable if addressed early.

Please feel free to contact our office if you want to discuss the guidelines we use when recommending dental x-rays for your children or establishing a Dental Home.