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.
