X-Rays and What to Expect
Your infant’s primary (baby) teeth are vital to their development and health. Not only do they help with chewing and eating, but they also assist in speaking and make it easier for their permanent (adult) teeth to grow in.
To help your child form positive associations with dental care, consider giving them a reward like a small toy for good behavior after each visit. It can also help to be a good example by talking about how much you like going to your dental professional (even if it’s not your favorite activity!) or role-modeling a proper oral care routine.
Whether or not your child will need an X-ray of their primary (baby) teeth is dependent on their individual health history and needs. Dental X-rays are considered a safe and effective method to gain insight into your child’s oral development and health needs. As your child’s primary teeth will not have fully come in until they’re two to three years old, X-rays offer the ability to see within the gums and uncover potential problems. Addressing dental problems as soon as possible is essential to avoiding resulting concerns.
X-rays contain a low level of radiation that is considered well within safe parameters, even for your toddler or infant. Dental professionals are trained to use methods that are safe for your child. According to the American Cancer Society, an X-ray has equivalent radiation to the amount you get by living 10 days of your normal daily life.
If you’re concerned about X-rays, your dental professional will be happy to answer your questions. Some questions you may want to ask include:
- Why do you recommend this X-ray for my child?
- Are there other options?
- What can we expect to learn from this X-ray?
Helpful tip: A good dental professional will be an expert at putting you and your child at ease for any treatment, procedure, or X-rays. We recommend trusting your dental professional but also being confident in voicing your questions and concerns.