Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids? What Parents Need to Know

At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s health and safety always come first. One of the most common questions we get from parents is about dental X-rays—are they safe, and are they really necessary? The short answer is yes. With today’s modern digital x-ray technology, the radiation exposure is extremely low—and the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Untreated dental issues like hidden cavities or developmental problems can cause long-term damage, while x-rays in Campbell CA and Los Gatos CA give us the ability to catch and treat issues before they become serious.

How We Minimize X-Ray Radiation for Kids

We understand that any exposure to radiation can sound concerning, especially when it comes to children. That’s why we follow strict protocols to keep radiation to an absolute minimum:

• Talk to Your Dentist
  At each visit, ask whether X-rays are necessary. We only recommend them when they’re essential for diagnosis or monitoring.
• Choose Digital Over Traditional
  At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, we use digital x-rays, which reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film.
• Use Protective Gear
  Your child will always be protected with a lead apron and thyroid collar to shield the rest of their body during x-ray imaging.

How Often Should My Child Get Dental X-Rays?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The frequency of X-rays depends on your child’s age, oral health history, and risk factors. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Around age 3: Most children receive their first set of dental X-rays to evaluate tooth development.
• Annually: If your child’s molars are touching, annual x-rays help detect cavities between teeth.
• More frequently: Kids with a high risk of tooth decay or orthodontic needs may need more frequent imaging.
• After injury: If your child has had a dental injury, x-rays help us monitor healing and detect any hidden issues.

Early x-rays help catch problems before they lead to pain, infection, or complicated treatments.

What If My Child Has Never Had a Cavity?

Even cavity-free kids benefit from X-rays. These images can reveal:

• Infections or abscesses that aren’t visible to the naked eye
• Missing or extra teeth
• Tooth alignment problems
• Signs of cysts, tumors, or abnormal growth
• Developmental issues with incoming permanent teeth

Dental x-rays are like a window into what we can’t see during a visual exam—critical for long-term oral health.

What About Kids with Braces?

Braces can make it tricky to detect cavities because the wires may block parts of the teeth. In many cases, we’ll wait to take X-rays until the braces are adjusted or removed. After orthodontic treatment, x-rays help us assess any decay that may have been hidden during treatment.

Are X-Rays Taken at Every Visit?

Nope! We tailor x-ray schedules based on your child’s needs. If they’re prone to cavities, have past trauma, or are undergoing orthodontic treatment, they may need X-rays more frequently. For kids with healthy teeth and low risk, x-rays are taken less often—typically once a year or as needed.

How Do Dental X-Rays Compare to Everyday Radiation?

To put it in perspective, here’s how dental X-ray exposure stacks up against other common sources: