How Often Are X-Rays Really Necessary?

-
You are at your semi-annual check-up with your dentist and everything is going great until that dreaded little word pops up: "X-rays." Nobody likes getting them, they are uncomfortable and if you have a bad gag reflex, well, you know how that one ends! There is also the concern with radiation and the risks associated with that. Is it really necessary to take X-rays and how often should you be getting them?

 The ADA states, "How often X-rays should be taken depends on your present oral health, your age, your risk for disease, and any signs and symptoms of oral disease." As a rule of thumb, in my office I typically recommend adults take X-rays of their back teeth (Bitewings or BWX) once per year and once every 5 years X-rays should be taken of all their teeth (Full Mouth or FMX/Panoramic or Pano). If you have a tooth that is causing pain, or have had a change in your mouth since the last time you had X-rays taken, then I also recommend getting an updated X-ray of that tooth or change.
Though the amount of radiation and risks associated with dental X-rays is very low, I take a conservative approach to the frequency of X-rays to help minimize the amount of radiation you are exposed to. In my office we also use digital X-rays which emit a fifth of the radiation as old film X-rays. While I understand my patients' concern with the risks associated with radiation exposure, X-rays are necessary for diagnosing decay and infection among other conditions and problems of your teeth. A lead vest is always put on my patients to help protect them from excess exposure as well.


 If you have further questions or concerns about X-rays contact your dentist. Additional information is also available at: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/x/x-rays.

 Keep smiling!
~ Cyrus M. Larson, DMD

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Watch Your Citrus Intake! (how citrus affects oral health)

-
Image
How Citric Acid Affects Oral Health  Citric acid is found in many different things most people probably use or eat or drink daily! Some of these common culprits might surprise you. Cosmetics, gels and liquids, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, and even dietary supplements commonly contain citric acid. It's even frequently added to various food products to boost flavors or help with preservation.  Citric Acid found naturally in :  Limes Oranges Lemons Pineapple Cherries Tomatoes Added Citric Acid:   Cheese,  Milk,  Soft-drinks,  Powdered drinks,  Frozen treats, and even s ome candy There are a few things to be aware of if you are eating or drinking a lot of these acidic items on a regular basis. Over time foods and drinks with high citric acid content can lead to the erosion of the enamel on your teeth.  When erosion has progressed into the softer, inner layer of your tooth (called the dentin) you will star...
Read more

Are You Valentine’s Day Ready?

-
Image
Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Date Night There are many different things that can contribute to having bad breath!  Some causes might be obvious like which foods you may be eating or having poor oral hygiene, but some might not be so evident. If you have date night or an important event coming up, here are some tricks to help you keep your breath fresh. Common Foods to Avoid: Garlic or Onions - The distinctive smell is caused by sulfur-containing chemicals in the garlic and onion. The smell can linger on a person's breath for hours and even overnight. Dairy - Naturally occurring bacteria from your tongue feeds on the amino acids in milk and cheese, which can result in an odor that is foul. Coffee - The caffeine in coffee can actually dry out your mouth by slowing saliva production which can be a trigger for bad breath This should be a little more obvious for most, but staying on top of your oral hygiene is the easiest way to keep your breath fresh. Ma...
Read more

What's the worst thing for my teeth?

-
Image
Taking good care of your teeth is important. Brushing and flossing are a must, but what if you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss everyday and STILL are getting cavities? If that is the case, it may be time to look at your diet. Start by looking at your sugar intake. The worst kind of sugar (for your teeth) is whatever is going to have consistent exposure to them. Soda and sticky candies are usually the worst because they are typically sipped throughout the day or they stick to your teeth. They are destructive to your tooth's enamel. The enamel of your tooth is important because it is the hard exterior that protects the softer inside of your tooth that surrounds the nerve. When sugars are either left on your teeth or are constantly exposed to your teeth, they weaken your enamel and the sugar combined with bacteria that is found in your mouth start to eat away at your tooth causing decay. Sugar is delicious, and I am just as guilty as the next of having a "...
Read more