DENTAL NEWS
The Latest Dental News
ARE DENTAL X-RAYS SAFE AND NECESSARY?
Story by: PatientConnect.com
“Do you have any questions for me today?” Each time you visit your dentist, you’re likely to hear this familiar refrain. By asking, your dentist is able to address any concerns you may have about your teeth, a procedure, or just share information that helps you remain informed. Perhaps one of the more common question dentists and hygienists are asked surrounds the safety and necessity of X-rays. This is a great question – with answers that differ from patient to patient. So let’s examine it a bit further. We believe you’ll be surprised to learn just how safe today’s X-rays are, and which audience asks this question even more so than patients.
X-ray Safety Is Always Being Tested
So, who asks this question more often than patients? Would you believe, dentists? That’s right. Together with the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), the American Dental Association (ADA) routinely asks this question, and revises its guidelines when advances in science and technology provide new methods to reduce exposure. In fact, the X-ray of today is far superior to those of even just a decade ago, thanks to faster film speeds, digital X-rays, and the use of protective aprons and thyroid collars.
Below are the general guidelines the ADA and FDA recommend for adults. It’s important to remember that because all dental care is patient-specific, these guidelines are to be used as an adjunct to the professional opinion of your dentist. Only your dentist has knowledge of your health history and vulnerability to oral disease, and is in the best position to make such recommendations.
“Do you have any questions for me today?” Each time you visit your dentist, you’re likely to hear this familiar refrain. By asking, your dentist is able to address any concerns you may have about your teeth, a procedure, or just share information that helps you remain informed. Perhaps one of the more common question dentists and hygienists are asked surrounds the safety and necessity of X-rays. This is a great question – with answers that differ from patient to patient. So let’s examine it a bit further. We believe you’ll be surprised to learn just how safe today’s X-rays are, and which audience asks this question even more so than patients.
X-ray Safety Is Always Being Tested
So, who asks this question more often than patients? Would you believe, dentists? That’s right. Together with the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), the American Dental Association (ADA) routinely asks this question, and revises its guidelines when advances in science and technology provide new methods to reduce exposure. In fact, the X-ray of today is far superior to those of even just a decade ago, thanks to faster film speeds, digital X-rays, and the use of protective aprons and thyroid collars.
Below are the general guidelines the ADA and FDA recommend for adults. It’s important to remember that because all dental care is patient-specific, these guidelines are to be used as an adjunct to the professional opinion of your dentist. Only your dentist has knowledge of your health history and vulnerability to oral disease, and is in the best position to make such recommendations.
- New Patients:
Full X-rays are generally suggested for new patients to provide your dentist with a full history of your prior oral care and current needs.
- Continuing Care Patient with, or at increased risk for cavities:
One set of X-rays every 6-18 months.
- Continuing Care Patient with no clinical cavities and not at increased risk for cavities:
One set of X-rays every 24-36 months.
- Continuing Care Patient with periodontal disease:
Dependent upon the professional judgment of your dentist.
- New and Continuing Care Patients being monitored for dental/skeletal relationships:
Dependent upon the professional judgement of your dentist.
- Patients with, but not limited to, proposed or existing implants and root canals:
Dependent upon the professional judgement of your dentist.
HOW LATE NIGHTS GIVE TEENAGERS ROTTEN TEETH
How late nights give teenagers rotten teeth: 'Night owls' four times more likely to require fillings because they don't brush before going to sleep
Teens who go to bed after their parents are less likely to brush their teeth Night owls also tend to skip breakfast and then turn to sugary snacks
Study highlights the importance of teaching good habits early in life
Teenagers who are 'night owls' are at much higher risk of suffering from tooth decay, according to research.
A study found that youngsters who stay up late are up to four times as likely to require fillings as those who prefer an early night.
The researchers believe that this is because night owls who go to bed after their parents often neglect to brush their teeth before falling asleep.
They are also more likely to wake up later and skip breakfast – leading to increased snacking throughout the day, the study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found.
Teenagers who are 'night owls' are at much higher risk of suffering from tooth decay, according to research.
A study found that youngsters who stay up late are up to four times as likely to require fillings as those who prefer an early night.
The researchers believe that this is because night owls who go to bed after their parents often neglect to brush their teeth before falling asleep.
They are also more likely to wake up later and skip breakfast – leading to increased snacking throughout the day, the study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found.
The Oral Health Foundation is encouraging parents to ensure their children understand the importance of brushing their teeth before bed, and the impact of tooth decay
As a result, dental charity the Oral Health Foundation is encouraging parents to ensure their children understand the importance of brushing their teeth before bed, and the impact of tooth decay.
Dr Nigel Carter, the foundation's chief executive, said: 'If you tend to fall asleep before your children, evidence suggests there is a real danger that they are not brushing their teeth regularly, or properly.
'Combined with the resulting lie-in and subsequently skipping breakfast, this is a real recipe for disaster when it comes to their oral health and a hugely increased risk of developing tooth decay.
'Problems in the mouth can affect the way our children communicate, their relationships and their wider general health, so it is vital they prioritise their oral health.
'Michaela ONeill, president of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy added: 'Ensuring your children eat a well-balanced breakfast every day is also a great way to ensure they maintain their oral health.
'This will reduce snacking on sugary food throughout the day and the teeth coming under constant attack from the acids which cause tooth decay.'
Dr Nigel Carter, the foundation's chief executive, said: 'If you tend to fall asleep before your children, evidence suggests there is a real danger that they are not brushing their teeth regularly, or properly.
'Combined with the resulting lie-in and subsequently skipping breakfast, this is a real recipe for disaster when it comes to their oral health and a hugely increased risk of developing tooth decay.
'Problems in the mouth can affect the way our children communicate, their relationships and their wider general health, so it is vital they prioritise their oral health.
'Michaela ONeill, president of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy added: 'Ensuring your children eat a well-balanced breakfast every day is also a great way to ensure they maintain their oral health.
'This will reduce snacking on sugary food throughout the day and the teeth coming under constant attack from the acids which cause tooth decay.'
