When Should Children Get Their First Dental X-rays?
Many parents know that it is important to begin taking their children to the dentist by the time they reach their first birthday or a first tooth has come in.
However, parents often wonder when their children should get their first dental X-rays during examinations.
When is the Right Time for Your Child’s First Dental X-Rays?
There is no official, “right” time for your child to get dental X-rays for the first time, though many get them by the time they go to kindergarten.
Getting dental X-rays becomes more important once your child’s adult teeth begin coming in. This is a period of rapid growth, and our pediatric dentists will want to be able to monitor with X-rays to be sure your child’s teeth and bones are developing properly.
The sooner problems are diagnosed, the sooner a solution can be implemented.
Why are Dental X-Rays Needed?
X-rays are a valuable tool for dentists because they make it possible to identify problems that aren’t visible during an exam, such as the beginnings of decay. They also enable to the dentist to monitor changes in any conditions your child may have.
In addition, dentists can use X-rays to see whether a child has wisdom teeth, and if so, whether they are impacted. These initial X-rays provide a solid foundation for keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
Keeping X-Rays Safe
Dental X-rays do expose your child to a small amount of radiation, which is why dentists take certain safety precautions. For example, children wear lead aprons and thyroid shields while X-rays are taken to minimize their exposure.
Make it a priority to schedule dental appointments with our pediatric dentists and then keep them!