Is it really safe/ necessary for my children to have bite wing x-rays taken every six months at their dentist office? As an adult I only have the bitewing x-rays once a year. I'm worried they are being exposed to radiation too often.
My oldest is six and has no issues at all. He has never had a cavity or any trouble spots and they still do the x-rays every six months. We had switched dentists and when I started at this new office he had just had x-rays at the previous one done six months prior. I asked about getting the x-rays for them, but they said they do x-rays every six months anyways (and our insurance covers it) so they weren't concerned. I switched dentists because this new dentist allows parents in the exam room. But, they seem to x-ray too often. Now, my younger son does have some areas we are watching, so I think the x-rays will help him. I'm definitely going to speak up next time.
Mine only get bite wings once a year. The youngest only gets them on the molars and not the front teeth.
My daughter's pediatric dentist said they only do xrays if they see an issue with the teeth (like my daughter's broken tooth, to keep an eye on it). I think once they have all their adult teeth she said once a year.
I know our insurance will only cover it once a year unless there is dental problems like a broken tooth. So I will not let them take more then what is covered unless truely needed.
I have told them no X-rays this time..My son on the othetr hand has some dental issues that without an x-ray I would hate for something to be missed but next dental exam no x-rays will be needed as for my daughter she is due for bite wings but I'll pass she just needs a cleaning same with my 20 month old
I take my kids to a pediatric dentist and he told me there is no reason for children to get x-rays unless there are problems with their teeth.
Our kids have teeth x-rayed once a year. We have told the dentist and the hygienists our wishes. It is written on their files. X rays once/ yr.
I think that is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. ANY good that would come out of that is negated by the repeated radiation exposure of the X Ray. Unless there is a problem I would opt out of that. My daughter is 6 and she's had it done ONCE.
Ours only does them if they see an issue or if there is a problem. My little guy cried about his mouth hurting so they gave an emergency appt did xrays and there was nothing wrong even though they didn't see anything they did them to make sure. Went to the dr. turned out he had a sinus infection.
My oldest gets them once a year my little guy has not had them since. He does not like the dentist and this last visit they wanted to do them but it was the first time he sat in the chair alone so they decided not to push the idea plus they did not see anything in his mouth that warranted an xray.
At my family dentist they want to do the x-rays for the children every 6 months as well and I said "NO".
I said the same thing that you are saying, that that's too much for their little bodies and
the nurse gave me an attitude about it.
But I don't give a dame what they think. I'm the mommy and what I say goes.
So stick with your gut feeling, you can't go wrong.
They are your children and you do what you think is best for them.
Take care.
Our pedi dentist only did x-rays once a year.
I don't worry about the radiation issue, it is not that much.
I just expect them to do what is needed vs making a few extra bucks.
wow.... ya know i felt the same way about airports. i don't know about dentist.
Every 6 mo is too often, I refuse it all the time. My 4 y/o's teeth spaced and there is no need for X-ray, if there is an abnormality - the orthodontist will take or ir later....
For my 13 y/o I only allow 1 panorax approx in 18 mo and all the dentists can look at the copy, no repeats.
We don't see a pediatric dentist, but my dentist (who has two young children of her own) says that x-rays are only necessary once a year.
It should only be once a year, unless there are problems suspected.
I had never really given much thought about dental X-rays until I was looking back at old billing statements. I compared an old dentists with my kid's current dentist. They went from 4 bite wings and 2 PA X-rays to just 2 bite wing X-rays per year. I don't believe they needed all those X-rays. I believe the dentist was just trying to make money as my kids have no history of cavities or gum disease. Now they only get 2 X-rays every 2 years which follows ADA guidelines. I also ask questions and insist on only the back molars to be viewed. If it's not necessary, why expose kids to radiation. It might be a small amount but it's still radiation.
