Dental X-rays for children are only taken when there is a clinical reason for them, not on a fixed automatic schedule, and modern digital X-rays use a very low radiation dose. Many parents worry when an X-ray is recommended, so it helps to understand why they are sometimes needed and how the decision is actually made.
Key takeaways
- X-rays are recommended based on individual need, not a set number of visits per year.
- Kids sometimes need X-rays for reasons that do not apply to adults, like checking baby tooth roots or permanent teeth developing under the gums.
- A common rule of thumb is bitewing X-rays roughly every 12 to 24 months once back teeth touch, but this can be more or less frequent depending on cavity risk.
- Modern digital X-rays use a low radiation dose, and dentists use protective measures like lead aprons and thyroid collars.
- Parents can always ask why a specific X-ray is being recommended for their child.
Why children sometimes need X-rays that adults don't
Kids' mouths change constantly, which is part of why X-rays can be useful at certain stages. Some of the main reasons a dentist might recommend one include:
- Checking baby tooth roots. Baby tooth roots are meant to dissolve gradually as the permanent tooth underneath gets ready to come through. An X-ray can show whether this is happening as expected.
- Spotting decay between teeth. Decay between baby teeth can be impossible to see or feel in a routine check, especially where teeth sit closely together.
- Monitoring permanent teeth developing under the gums. X-rays can show whether adult teeth are developing, and whether they are lined up to come through in the right position.
- Planning for crowding or missing teeth. If there seems to be a lack of space, or a tooth appears to be missing, an X-ray helps confirm what is actually happening below the gum line.
How often do kids actually need X-rays?
There is no single rule that applies to every child. As a general guide, many dentists take bitewing X-rays (which show the back teeth) roughly every 12 to 24 months once a child's back baby teeth are touching each other. A child with a low risk of cavities and healthy teeth might go longer between X-rays, while a child with a history of decay or tight contacts between teeth might need them a bit more often. This is always a clinical judgement made for the individual child, not a fixed timetable applied to everyone.
How much radiation is involved?
This is usually the biggest worry for parents, and it is a reasonable one to have. Without overstating precision, a single digital dental X-ray typically involves a very small dose, often discussed as being roughly comparable to the natural background radiation a person is exposed to over a day or so just from being alive on Earth. Digital X-rays generally use noticeably less radiation than older film X-rays did. This is general information only and individual comparisons can vary, so if you want the specific dose for a particular type of X-ray, it is worth asking your dentist directly.
Safety measures used during a child's X-ray
Dental practices use a few standard precautions to keep exposure as low as reasonably possible, including:
- A lead or lead-equivalent apron placed over the body
- A thyroid collar to protect the thyroid gland, particularly relevant for children
- Positioning the X-ray beam to capture only the specific area needed, rather than a wide area
- Digital sensors, which generally require a lower dose than older film-based systems
Comparing the general approach to kids' X-rays
| Situation | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Low cavity risk, healthy teeth, good spacing | X-rays less frequent, often closer to the 24 month mark |
| History of decay or tight tooth contacts | X-rays may be recommended more often to catch new decay early |
| Checking baby tooth root and permanent tooth development | Taken at a stage relevant to the child's dental development, not on a fixed schedule |
| Suspected crowding or a possible missing tooth | Taken to confirm what is happening below the gum line before deciding on treatment |
What if you want to decline or ask questions?
It is completely reasonable to ask why a particular X-ray is being recommended for your child, and to ask what the dentist expects to learn from it. A dentist should be able to explain the specific reason in plain language, whether that is checking for decay, monitoring development, or planning treatment. If you would prefer to wait or decline for a particular visit, that is a conversation worth having openly so everyone understands the trade-offs involved for your child's care.
Frequently asked questions
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Dental X-rays used for children are generally considered to involve a low radiation dose, and dentists take extra precautions such as lead aprons and thyroid collars. Your dentist can explain the specific reasoning and safety measures for any X-ray recommended for your child.
At what age do kids typically start getting dental X-rays?
There is no fixed age that applies to every child. Many dentists start considering X-rays once back baby teeth are touching each other, which allows a bitewing X-ray to check between teeth, but this depends on the individual child's mouth and risk factors.
Can I ask for my child's dental X-rays to be limited?
Yes. It is a reasonable question to ask your dentist why a specific X-ray is recommended and whether it can wait. Being informed about the reason behind each recommendation is a normal part of paediatric dental care.
Do digital X-rays use less radiation than older X-ray machines?
Digital dental X-rays generally use a lower dose than older film-based X-ray systems. Practices that use digital imaging are typically already using one of the lower-dose options available.
Why would a dentist X-ray baby teeth if they are going to fall out anyway?
Baby teeth still matter for chewing, speech, and holding space for adult teeth. An X-ray can pick up decay between baby teeth that cannot be seen or felt, which is worth catching early even though the tooth is temporary.
If it has been a while since your child's last check-up, or you would like a dentist to talk through whether an X-ray is actually needed at this stage, our team is happy to have that conversation. You can see our current offers on the current deals page or learn more about our approach to family dentistry on our general dentist page.
