Does My Child Need Dental X-Rays? Are They Safe?

If your dentist recommends dental X-rays for your child, it is reasonable to ask two questions: Why are they needed, and are they safe?

Dental X-rays can reveal information that cannot always be seen during a regular examination. But that does not mean every child needs X-rays at every dental visit.

The decision should be based on your child’s individual needs and whether the images are expected to provide useful information for diagnosis or treatment.

Why Would My Child Need Dental X-Rays?

A dentist can learn a great deal by examining your child’s mouth, but some areas of the teeth and surrounding structures cannot be fully evaluated by sight alone.

Depending on the type of image and why it is being taken, dental X-rays may help the dentist:

The type and number of images should depend on what information the dentist actually needs.

Does Every Child Need X-Rays at Every Checkup?

No. Dental X-rays should not automatically be taken simply because your child has arrived for another checkup.

The dentist may consider factors such as:

• Your child’s age and stage of dental development
• What can and cannot be seen during the examination
• Previous cavities and current cavity risk
• Pain, swelling or other symptoms
• Previous dental treatment or injuries
• Existing X-rays and whether new information is needed

A child with a history of cavities or another active dental concern may need imaging on a different schedule from a child with a low cavity risk and no signs of disease.

If your child has been getting repeated cavities, read
Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities?

Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?

Dental X-rays use ionizing radiation, so it is appropriate to minimize unnecessary exposure — particularly in children.

At the same time, modern dental imaging can provide important diagnostic information using relatively low radiation doses. The goal is not to avoid every dental X-ray. It is to use imaging only when the expected diagnostic benefit justifies the exposure and to use techniques that keep the dose as low as reasonably achievable for the needed image.

If you are concerned, ask your dentist why a particular X-ray is being recommended and how it will affect your child’s care.

Why Can’t the Dentist Just Look at the Teeth?

Some dental problems can develop where they are difficult or impossible to see directly.

For example, when neighboring teeth touch, early decay between them may not be visible during a routine visual examination. An appropriate dental X-ray may reveal decay that otherwise could go undetected until it becomes larger.

This can be particularly important for a child who has already developed cavities or has other risk factors for tooth decay.

If you’re wondering what parents may notice at home, read
Does My Child Have a Cavity? Signs Parents Should Watch For

What If This Is My Child’s First Dental Visit?

A first dental visit does not automatically mean your child needs X-rays.

The dentist can first consider your child’s age, dental history, examination findings and individual needs. If X-rays are recommended, ask what the dentist is looking for and why the images would be useful.

For more about that first appointment, read
What Should I Expect at My Child’s First Dental Visit?

What If My Child Is Nervous About X-Rays?

Some children find dental X-rays unfamiliar or uncomfortable, particularly when an image receptor needs to be positioned inside the mouth.

Tell the dental team if your child is anxious, has a strong gag reflex, has sensory sensitivities or has struggled with dental X-rays before.

Your child’s age, comfort and ability to cooperate can be considered along with how urgently the diagnostic information is needed.

If your child is worried about an upcoming dental visit, read
My Child Is Scared of the Dentist — What Should I Do Before the Appointment?

What About X-Rays for Developing or Crooked Permanent Teeth?

Dental X-rays may sometimes be useful when a dentist is evaluating how permanent teeth are developing or erupting, but imaging decisions should still be based on the individual child and the information needed.

If you are concerned about how your child’s permanent teeth are coming in, read
Is It Normal for My Child’s Permanent Teeth to Come In Crooked?

For questions about the timing of an orthodontic evaluation, read
When Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Evaluation?

What Should I Ask Before My Child Has Dental X-Rays?

You should feel comfortable asking why an X-ray is being recommended.

Useful questions include:

• Why does my child need this X-ray?
• What are you looking for?
• Will the result change what you recommend?
• Are previous X-rays still useful?
• What type of X-ray is being taken?

The goal should be straightforward: take the images that are clinically useful while avoiding images that are not needed.

Children’s Dental Care Near Beaverton

Cedar Hills Dental Care provides family dentistry for children and adults near Beaverton. Our practice has served the community since 1986 and has cared for more than 10,000 smiles.

Christine Chin, DMD brings more than 35 years of dental experience and is an Oregon Health & Science University-educated dentist. Our approach emphasizes comfortable, compassionate and non-judgmental dental care.

If dental X-rays are recommended for your child, we want you to understand why they are being considered and what information they may provide.

Learn more about our
Dental Care for Children
and our growing collection of resources for parents.

Further Reading for Parents

For more information about your child’s teeth, dental development and preventive care, these Cedar Hills Dental Care articles may also help:

• What Should I Expect at My Child’s First Dental Visit?
• Why Does My Child Keep Getting Cavities?
• Is It Normal for My Child’s Permanent Teeth to Come In Crooked?
• When Should My Child Have an Orthodontic Evaluation?
• My Child Is Scared of the Dentist — What Should I Do Before the Appointment?