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Regardless of whether you go for a dental check-up once every 3 months, 6 months or a year, there is a high probability that your dentist will always pressure you into another set of X-ray images.
This despite the fact that you basically don’t even need them. And what’s more, it has been shown that this procedure can seriously jeopardize your health.
The journal Cancer (Cancer) reported that dental X-rays more than double the risk of brain cancer !
In this article you will learn more details about the issue, including the answer to the question of how often you should (if at all) have dental X-ray images taken.
The biggest risk factor for brain cancer
Meningioma is a type of brain cancer that affects the membranes surrounding your brain.
And the most significant risk factor for this type of cancer is ionizing radiation, which includes dental X-rays.
This radiation penetrates cells and damages their DNA.
Over time the damage accumulates and the affected DNA strands can form mutated genes that trigger cancerous growth.
In 2012 scientists undertook to precisely determine to what extent dental X-rays contribute to the development of meningioma brain cancer.
The results were alarming:
- Bitewing X-rays of the upper and lower teeth, taken more often than once a year, increase the risk of brain cancer by 110 to 160%.
- Panoramic images that show all upper and lower teeth, including the bones of the mandible and maxilla, taken at least once a year, increase the risk of brain cancer by 270 to 300%.
- Dental X-rays that begin to be taken on children before the age of 10 increase the risk of brain cancer by nearly 500%!
How often should you have dental X-rays taken?
According to American Dental Association (ADA – American Dental Association) there is very little evidence that dental X-rays increase the chances of detecting tooth decay or otherwise help prevent dental disease.
ADA guidelines recommend that dentists do not take bitewing images more often than once every 2 to 3 years . Even that, however, only if the patient is generally healthy.
The ADA also states that there is no point in doing dental X-rays on patients who do not show signs of tooth decay during a routine visual examination.
Despite these recommendations, most dentists are overly eager for X-rays and want to take them with every preventive check-up or during dental hygiene procedures.
Don’t forget, it is your right to say “No, thank you”.
If you do, it’s quite possible that you will put off the dentist or dental hygienist.
Ignore them. Don’t be manipulated by statements like “But decay can hide between the teeth where the eye can’t see”.
If there are no signs of tooth decay or other problems, stand your ground and protect yourself from unnecessary radiation.
conclusion
Dental X-rays are an excellent source of extra income for dentists. That is probably the main reason why they push patients into them so often.
If they try it on you, you can tactfully remind them of the official recommendation.
Tell them that you have heard or read that for healthy teeth and gums it should be done at most once every 3 years.
