Radiation Risks? The Truth about Dental X-Rays

Often, a family trip to the dentist will feature the use of an x-ray camera. The dental hygienists will cover you or your children with a heavy apron and make you chomp on some bitewings, while the camera moves and clicks around you. Of course, the images produced by the x-rays have a purpose: cavities, jawbone degradation, and other oral health issues are made easily visible, allowing the dentist to address these issues directly. However, x-rays are a form of radiation, and some people are concerned with that exposing someone to dental x-rays will cause cancer. These concerns are especially strong for parents taking their children to the dentist.

X-rays are a type of ionizing radiation, and ionizing radiation has been shown to cause cancer. Ionizing radiation, upon passing through the body, strip electrons from the atoms this energy passes. The resulting protons, known as free radicals, then can damage the cells of the body. While these cells return to normal most of the time, on rare occasions the cells will heal with some abnormalities. These abnormal cells, consequently, can grow into cancer. From this alone, people believe that dental x-rays will cause cancer.

However, you’re always exposed to ionizing radiation. On average, your body is exposed to 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) of natural radiation alone per year. At .005 mSv, the radiation you receive from the aforementioned dental x-ray is less than 1.6% of your daily background radiation exposure. You are exposed to the same level of radiation just from sunlight each day. Additionally, each x-ray is an individual dose rather than constant exposure, which is another factor in the cancer risks of radiation exposure. X-rays only increase the odds of dying of cancer by 1 in 2,000; compare this to the natural 1 in 5 chance you have of dying of cancer.

Moreover, there are precautions in place for younger patients to help minimize their exposure. Technically, children do have a higher risk of developing cancer from radiation than adults, so dentists make up for it with stricter safety measures. Lead aprons are almost ubiquitous, but many doctors will also reduce the amount of radiation emitted by the camera when taking x-ray images of pediatric patients. The same precautions can be given to pregnant women, as fetuses are assumed to be just as vulnerable as children. Your children could be receiving special considerations regarding radiation exposure risks already.

Ultimately, the benefits of detecting an oral health issue as early as possible far outweighs the negligible cancer risk. Not only are healthy teeth and gums alone something worth keeping, but many recent studies have shown connections between oral health and overall bodily health as well. Being able to detect and address these issues is paramount to your health and your children’s health. So, the next time your dentist readies the bitewings and camera, don’t be afraid. The benefits are high, the risk is low, and the dentist is likely being extra careful with your children anyways.

How Pregnancy Can Affect Oral Health

How Pregnancy Can Affect Oral Health

When you’re expecting a child, it goes without saying that nearly every aspect of your life significantly changes. As the body adjusts to pregnancy, the state of the smile can fluctuate as well. Knowing what dental issues are common during this time and what symptoms to look out for helps lower the risks of complications.

Concerning Conditions When Expecting

When you do not properly practice dental hygiene, you are susceptible to oral health complications, but expectant mothers are even more vulnerable due to the level of hormonal changes throughout pregnancy.

To minimize health risks during pregnancy, here are some oral health issues to look out for:

Gingivitis- Some women will experience fluctuations in their gum health. The soft tissue can appear redder, be more sensitive, and bleed easily during brushing and flossing. These changes can start as early as the second month of pregnancy, and peak during the third trimester. The rapid increase in hormone and progesterone levels help bacteria grow, accelerating the development of gingivitis.

Tooth Erosion- Morning sickness is not only an unfortunate side effect of pregnancy but also contributes toward serious repercussions for a mother’s dental health. Frequent vomiting can erode the rear surfaces of teeth and weaken dental enamel.

Dry Mouth- Many expectant mothers complain about these symptoms which include frequent thirst, mouth sores, and a dry feeling in a smile. Constant changes throughout the body interrupt saliva production, impacting oral health significantly. Stress and certain medications are strong instigators of this condition as well.

How Mothers-To-Be can Protect Their Oral Health

Taking preventive steps utilizing effective dental care techniques not only benefits expectant mothers but ensures their baby’s health as well. 

Brushing and flossing every day break up the food particles that feed plaque-causing bacteria, preventing periodontitis and tooth decay. It is especially important to schedule routine appointments with a dentist every three to six months while pregnant to guarantee the gums are disease free.

An infant’s teeth start developing between three to six months during pregnancy, making oral health an important factor to consider before they’re born. Mothers can support their child’s smile by implementing a diet rich in nutrients such as calcium, protein, vitamins A, C, and D.

At West Houston Dental, we believe that optimal oral health is essential in all stages of life. We encourage expectant mothers to call or visit our Houston, TX office today with any questions or concerns they may have. Dr. Tomy Nguyen and his experienced dental team will be happy to take care of you!