Improve Your Child’s Dental Health With X-Rays!
Pediatric dental x-rays are a great way to monitor dental health and proper teeth development as your little one grows. Your local dentist is able to use this tool to help prevent and treat any issues and use it as an early diagnostic to better enhance treatment plans and outcomes.
Anthem Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Henderson provides comprehensive dental care and orthodontics to kids in a fun, relaxed environment. Learn more about the importance of dental x-rays for kids in today’s post.
Do Kids Really Need More Radiation?
Radiation is a hot topic with parents and caregivers — from scanners at the airport and smart devices and electronics to the microwaves in our homes — many are concerned with the increasing amounts of radiation kids are exposed to.
While it’s true that they are exposed to more radiation, medical x-rays — including dental x-rays — have important benefits that keep our kids healthy.
The Significance Of Pediatric Dental X-Rays
It’s important to be clear that x-rays are considered safe and they emit small amounts of radiation, especially as x-ray technology has advanced. The dental professionals at Anthem Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Henderson further protect your kids with lead aprons when they undergo x-rays.
HOW DO KIDS BENEFIT FROM DENTAL X-RAYS?
Dental x-rays are integral for both preventative and diagnostic purposes — they help the dentist understand what’s going on in your child’s mouth. Kids benefit from dental x-rays in the following ways:
- Cavity detection (cavities between teeth that are difficult to see otherwise)
- Seeing how teeth are surfacing and what the position of the teeth inside of the gums looks like
- Inspecting missing or extra teeth
- Surveying any dental infections
- Determining if orthodontics are needed
- Identifying bone concerns
- Monitoring any dental traumas or injuries to the mouth
What Is The Optimal Age For Dental X-Rays?
While there is no specific age as to when your child should get their first dental x-rays, most dentists recommend them by the age of five or six or when their permanent teeth begin to emerge.
If a child is prone to cavities or has other dental issues, your dentist may order dental x-rays earlier.
How Often Should Kids Get Dental X-Rays?
Depending on your child’s dental health, they may need them twice a year to monitor cavities or injuries or as little as once every few years.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends dental x-rays every six months, especially if they’ve previously had cavities.
Are X-Rays Scary For Kids?
The dentists and hygienists at Anthem Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics approach x-rays in a light-hearted and educational way — we want kids to feel comfortable and confident about getting their x-rays. We explain what the x-ray is and walk them through exactly what will happen.
Dental x-rays are painless and very rarely do kids experience any discomfort. The best part is, they can see the picture of their teeth after the x-rays are done, which is really fun for them.
What Are The Different Types Of Dental X-Rays?
There are two common types of dental x-rays including bitewing and periapical.
Bitewing – This type of dental x-ray can help dentists identify cavities in adjacent areas where the teeth touch and the growth and development of alveolar bone. As the name implies, bitewing x-rays are held in place on the tongue and side of the teeth by biting down.
Periapical – Periapical x-rays allow the dentist to view a single tooth to examine the tooth and surrounding structures such as alveolar bone and/or the jaw bone. This type of dental x-ray is used to identify extensive tooth decay, gum disease, bone loss, and abscesses.
Is It Time For Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are a safe procedure that only benefits your child’s dental health by identifying hard-to-see cavities and other issues that may be impacting their health. And, x-rays are painless and kids love seeing their teeth!
Schedule A Dental X-Ray With Anthem Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics In Henderson Today!
The back-to-school season is the perfect time to schedule dental x-rays for your child! Support their dental health and improve their oral hygiene with bi-annual visits to our office for teeth cleanings and more! Call our Henderson office today!