How Many Dental X-Rays Are Safe in A Month?

Dental x-rays are relatively standard, as most dentists suggest it during routine cleaning.

This is because x-rays help the dentist see every part of the gums, the bones, the roots of the teeth, and even beneath the tooth enamel.

But then, it’s common knowledge that x-rays use radiation to achieve its result, which may pose a concern for many people. There are lots of discussions about the dangers of radiation.

Hence, you may wonder if x-rays are safe and how many is too many. Read on to find the answers.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

The best dentist uses all possible tactics to ensure the safety of their patients.

Besides, cutting-edge techniques and tools have been developed to minimize patients’ exposure to radiation further.

This includes using lead aprons; this minimizes exposure level to the body’s trunk.

There’s also a leaded thyroid collar; this protects the thyroid gland from radiation exposure. These tools are necessary, especially for patients who ought to be more careful about x-rays example, pregnant women.

Dental x-rays are not just safe but also beneficial to your oral health. Dental x-rays expose you to very minimal radiation. Several other natural sources causes a far greater level of radiation than dental x-rays.

How Much Radiation Is In A X-Ray?

X-rays are not the only source of radiation as there are other natural sources.

One dental x-ray contains 0.1mrem of radiation, while a set of bitewings contains 0.4mrem. For perspective, let us compare the radiation from x-rays to other environmental sources.

[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]

• Radiation from smoking is 1,300mrem per annum
• The soil produces 35mrem radiation per year
• Radiation from drinking water is 5mrem per annum
• Radiation from transcontinental flights is between 2mrem to 4mrem
• Radiation from natural gas used for heating and cooking is about 9mrem per annum

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As seen above, dental x-rays are very low and pose a minimal threat to human health.

An air flight across the country produces more radiation than dental x-rays; consuming ten bananas exposes you to more radiation than x-rays!

So, although dental x-ray exposes you to radiation, the pros far outweigh the cons. Dental x-rays reveal hidden conditions that can’t be detected with the human eyes to your dentist, who can then use the information gotten to recommend the right solution.

Who Should Get A Dental X-Ray?

Dentists can recommend an x-ray for a patient depending on the problem. Your dentist may need to detect the cause of your pain or know your mouth’s structure to aid the placement of any dental work.

The issues which x-rays help to discover are far worse than the minute amount of radiation involved.

The dental problems which x-rays help to discover include:

[list icon=”https://dentalhubantalya.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/dental-care.png” icon_color=”#333333″ indent=”4″]

• Bone loss
• Growths or tumors
• Tooth decay
• Gum and tooth infection

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Without an x-ray, these issues may remain undetected and continue to develop, leading to worse problems in the future. İts always more straightforward, uncomplicated, and cost-effective to detect dental problems early; a dental x-ray helps you do that.

Who Shouldn’t Get A Dental X-Ray?

Dental x-rays aren’t suitable for everyone, including:

• Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should avoid going for x-rays until they deliver. This protects the growing baby’s health as a fetus is more susceptible to radiation issues than grown adults.

A developing fetus changes quickly at the DNA and cellular level, making it particularly dangerous for x-rays. When pregnant, go for a regular dental checkup and ensure to let your dentist know of your condition.

• Children

Children should stay away from radiation until they are mature enough. With radiation, there’s no safest exposure level; besides, radiation accumulates, and exposing kids too early to x-rays may affect them later on.
Since these kids are small, their cells are still developing, thus making them vulnerable and susceptible to dangers from radiation.

How Many Dental X-Rays Are Safe In A Month?

There’s no size fit answer to the above question as the answer depends on the dental issues of a patient.

However, many established dental organizations provide general guidelines on how dental x-rays should be done to enable dentists to make vital decisions.

For example, a document for the American Dental Association posits that adults with excellent oral health and lower risk of dental issues can have dental x-rays done at intervals of 2 to 3 years.

The Canadian Dental Association also recommends the same for its citizens.

But even at this, dentists should not blindly follow the guidelines.

According to experts, dental x-rays should only be carried out after an oral examination has been performed by a dentist. This will ensure the dentist uses their professional knowledge to determine whether or not an x-ray is required.

Final Thoughts

Dental x-rays are not nearly as hideous and worrisome as many perceive.

They are necessary to determine the root cause of dental issues. Just ensure you follow the advice of your dentist, and you will have a healthy tooth and gum.