X-ray Question

Does he see a problem? I am a dental Hygienest and we rarely take xrys on kids that young unless we see a potential problem. The whole xray process is painless unless the mouth is too small to hold the film correctly and then it can cut the tissue and gag the child. I say wait until they are closer to 5 or 6 and do it then Why make the visit traumatic for such a young child. They have their whole life to have a positive experience and it should not start out this way if it can be helped

Here's a frightening fact:

There is less radiation in an x-ray than in a cell phone held up to your ear. The difference is that the x-ray is ionizing (and therefore certainly penetrating) and the cell phone is not ionizing radiation but potentially still brain-tumor causing.

X-rays on a three year old are not a big deal but you are right to be vigilant about exposure! The truth is that there might be much more dangerous stuff in our environment which we are not aware of.

As for whether or not you truly need to do the x-rays i cannot speak to that. Do be clear with your dentist about yoru concerns and ask specific questions. Don't be afraid to say no if your gut tells you he doesn't need them this year.

It is great to have internet access. Please google some sites, on the dangers of any X-rays. My dad was an X-ray technician died at the age of 58yrs. From what I have read in the past...the radiation they emit is ACCUMILATIVE. I have not had them take in 5 years. (Google Dr. Tenpenny out of Ohio, I think there might be some info about xrays, instead of mammagrams, I prefer Thermography) I used to think it would be ok with a body shield....UMM... What about your BRAIN? We live around enough electomagnetic radiation, If you get a chance check out www.mybiopro.com/claudia13 on the radiation your cell phone emits. I believe your child is still young enough, that limiting sweets and starting a healthy regime of oral hygiene with a natural toothpaste (Jason's or Weleda) is something to think about. I believe crest and colgate are full of chemicals, they usually only list the active ingredients, not all. While on the subject google the floride dilema. We see the dentist twice a year, but forego the X-rays. They should be kept for real emergencies. I hope this helps.

X-rays are usually a routine part of a dental check up. Your dentist is supposed to put a lead apron over you child, and you if you're in there with him. The biggest threat of an x-ray is the reproductive organs. That's why they always ask if there is a chance you might be pregnant when you go for one.

Ask for digital x-rays, they are suppose to emit much less radiation and can be easily emailed to other dentists or specialists. Not all Dentists have made the change to digital.

M.

If you don't trust the dentist you are taking your child to, then change dentists. A reliable dentist does not order something that will harm your child.

My children started seeing a dentist at that age. Do what you can now. he should have a protective covering during the procedure. 3 years olds can spit out the rinse and understand. Start good habits early.
You are on the right track
My children have beautiful teeth.
No one in my family ever did, due to lack of dental visits and care. I am on my way to dentures, at 47.

Taking the x-rays will show that the adult teeth are there and that they are coming in where they need to be. Sometimes this is very important as teeth can be missing or coming in at angles. Better to know ahead of time. Also if there is decay in the baby teeth it can spread to the adult teeth through the root. This should be done.

It's totally your call and I think it's important to weigh in all aspects. I took my son in around 3 and they did the x-ray. To my surprise he had cavities that they weren't able to see with the naked eye. I wasn't able to afford getting them fixed at the time and put it off a couple of months and the cavities grew to the point where he needed caps and a root treatment to prevent him from having his baby teeth pulled :( just something to consider.

best of luck

The amount of radiation used in these types of x-rays is so small and he'll be covered up with a lead apron that even if the radiation could scatter that far, he'll be protected. I can't speak to the need for an x-ray at this age, though, but it looks like some other moms can!

Hi A.!

I'm a dental assistant, and I can tell you that it is safe to have x-rays taken of your child's teeth. As long as the dentist covers your child with the lead jacket, there shouldn't be anything to worry about. Having x-rays taken is a good thing, because it allows the dentist to see between the teeth for decay. If there is decay, you'll want to get that taken care of right away. Even though your son has baby teeth now, those teeth play an important role in how the adult teeth will come in. With new technology, the radiation is so low, that your son will be fine.

Good luck,

J.

my kids have had teeth x-rays before and they covered them up with the apron to prevent any rays going through.
JUst request it.

I would question why. If it is just a preemptive measure and not for any serious concern, then I would say that the x-ray is not worth the risk.

A.,

I manage a dental office and am a dental assistant. We do xrays starting that young and if there seems to be a problem even younger. I have a 4yr old boy and didn't hesitate to take the xrays. There are things a dentist can't see without the xrays. Like where the permenant teeth are placed and if the child has a cavity inbetween the teeth. I have seen many kids come in our office that are 6 or 7 and have never had xrays and need alot of work. You should really consider it.

Absolutely get the x-ray. It is once a year and he may have cavities.