Are yearly Xrays really necessary for children?

[Mama Soltera]

This is what the dentist told me. My kids have only been Xrayed once, two years ago. The dentist said, for their appointment they must be Xrayed. This seems kind of dangerous, unnecessary and excessive to me. Really, every single year?

[Multimomma]

     Researchers compared whole-body bone marrow dose from background radiation to the data from radiographic examinations. They concluded that ‘if a person in an average location in the U.S. were to receive a full-mouth periapical and panoramic examination every 4 months for the rest of their life he would incur only the same risk as a person living in Denver who was not exposed to dental radiography’. “Denver is exposed to more atmospheric radiation due to the high elevation of this city". So remember you are exposed to radiation naturally, including cosmic radiation from space; terrestrial radiation from stone and other building materials; 

So, what's your elevation?

[babygrant]

My kids got x-rays once when they were about 4 just to check.  Our medical covers dental checkups (the whole shabang) once every 6 months, and each

time the dentist asks me if we want the kids xrayed, but we refuse. Same for the fluoride.  We don't see it as being necessary since my kids don't complain

of tooth aches, they brush very well, floss everyday, etc.

 

Originally Posted by Mama Soltera 

This is what the dentist told me. My kids have only been Xrayed once, two years ago. The dentist said, for their appointment they must be Xrayed. This seems kind of dangerous, unnecessary and excessive to me. Really, every single year?

[Multimomma]

We do xray every year or two, but my husband has really tight spacing, and all of our older children are genetically predisposed to impacted teeth. It's a lot easier to catch it ahead of time, than when roots of other teeth are damaged because teeth are growing sideways in the gums. Now that my oldest is 15, he doesn't get xrays very often, his teeth are very much permanent and not moving much, and wisdom teeth grow so very slowly. 

[Mama Soltera]

Thanks all for your replies. We are close to the coast, so nearly ocean level. Flouride is definitely my other issue!

[leigh09]

I'm for selective x-rays ... I can see them on occasion to ensure the teeth have grown in fine, and if there is any major issues in my kids mouths.  But I had a former dentist who used to x-ray every visit as a means for catching cavities early.  I don't think that is necessary ... besides, we don't have any dental coverage :)

btw, we don't do flouride either

[kkfum]

A very eye-opening article today in the NY Times about the radiation methods used by dentists:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/us/23scan.html?hp

[Koalamom]

Unless your child has a history of cavities, or complains of disconfort, I would decline the x rays.  My daighter is going to the dentist today for a cleaning, and we are going to decline xrays and floride.

[Koalamom]

Originally Posted by kkfum 

A very eye-opening article today in the NY Times about the radiation methods used by dentists:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/us/23scan.html?hp

great article!  Thanks for posting.

[SoulCakes]

We moved to the UK a couple of years ago and I was surprised to find they don't do x-rays here unless there's a suspected problem/compelling reason for having them done. They say they're dangerous and generally unnecessary (although the NHS may also be wanting to save money!). Either way, we take good care of DD's teeth, and her dad and I have never had any cavities either, so I'm more than happy to skip them.

[Aaronridge]

How old are your children?  I don't think children under 6 should be x-rayed, ever, unless there is an emergency.

[kathymuggle]

I would skip them.  You never know when people might need an x-ray, and lifetime exposure counts, so will build up exposure needlessly?

I would go in expecting a little argument, though.  Dentists and hygienists do like to push the xrays!