Many parents ask us the same question at their child’s checkup: are dental X-rays safe for kids? It’s a fair question. Below, our pediatric dentists explain why children’s dental X-rays are taken, what kinds you might see, how often kids need them, and how we keep radiation exposure as low as possible.
Why Kids Need Dental X-Rays
A visual exam shows a lot, but not everything. Dental X-rays (also called radiographs) let your child’s dentist see what’s happening between teeth, below the gums and inside the jaw. They can help us:
- Find cavities between baby teeth that can’t be seen with the eye alone
- Check that permanent teeth are developing and coming in normally
- Look for extra, missing or impacted teeth
- Evaluate a tooth or the surrounding bone after a fall or dental emergency
- Plan orthodontic care, such as early orthodontic treatment
Catching a small problem early usually means a simpler, more comfortable fix for your child.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?
Dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation, and your child’s dentist takes them only when they’re needed to make a diagnosis or plan treatment. Dentists follow the principle known as ALARA, “as low as reasonably achievable,” which means using the fewest images and the lowest exposure that will still give a clear, useful picture. The American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend that X-rays be prescribed based on each patient’s individual needs rather than on a fixed schedule.
If you have questions about the equipment we use or the steps we take during your child’s X-rays, just ask. Our team is happy to walk you through it.
Common Types of Children’s Dental X-Rays
Bitewing X-Rays
Your child bites down on a small tab while an image is taken of the upper and lower back teeth. Bitewings are the main way dentists find cavities between teeth.
Periapical X-Rays
These show a whole tooth, from the crown to the tip of the root, along with the surrounding bone. They’re often used when a tooth hurts or has been injured.
Occlusal X-Rays
Occlusal X-rays capture a wider view of the upper or lower teeth and are sometimes used for younger children to check tooth development.
Panoramic X-Rays
A panoramic X-ray shows all of the teeth and both jaws in a single image. It’s helpful for tracking permanent teeth that haven’t come in yet and for orthodontic planning.
How Often Does My Child Need Dental X-Rays?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. How often your child needs X-rays depends on their age, cavity risk, dental history and whether they’re in orthodontic treatment. A child who has had several cavities may need bitewing X-rays more often than a child who is at low risk. We’ll review your child’s history at each visit and recommend X-rays only when they’ll help.
Tips to Help Your Child Feel Comfortable
- Explain that the X-ray camera takes a “picture of your teeth” and that it doesn’t hurt.
- Let your child know they’ll need to hold still for just a few seconds.
- Tell our team if your child has a strong gag reflex or sensory sensitivities. We can adjust how we take the images, and our special needs dentistry team can help.
Questions About Your Child’s Dental X-Rays?
X-rays are one part of your child’s regular preventive dental care. If you’d like to talk about whether your child needs them, call Jacaranda Smiles at 954-866-1995 or visit one of our offices in Plantation, East Pembroke Pines, West Pembroke Pines or Margate.