When Should Infants and Young Children Get Dental X-Rays?

As a parent, you may wonder when your child should have their first dental X-ray. At Kids Dental Spot, we usually recommend taking X-rays when we need more information about your child’s oral health than we can get from a visual exam alone. This can start as early as their first visit, depending on their unique needs, but often around the age of 3-5 years. If your child is prone to cavities, has crowded teeth, or we suspect any issues with how their teeth are developing, we may need to take X-rays earlier.

Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?

X-rays help us see what’s happening beneath the surface of your child’s teeth and gums. They can reveal cavities, bone issues, or problems with how adult teeth are coming in—all of which are impossible to detect through a regular examination. Early detection means we can treat any problems quickly, preventing more serious complications down the line. X-rays also allow us to track your child’s oral development over time, ensuring everything is growing properly.

How Safe Are Dental X-Rays for Children?

One of the most common concerns parents have is about the safety of X-rays, especially for younger children. At Kids Dental Spot, we use digital X-rays, which emit extremely low levels of radiation. The amount of radiation from a single dental X-ray is minimal, equivalent to just a few hours of natural background radiation from the sun and environment. To put it in perspective, the radiation from a dental X-ray is far less than what we’re exposed to when we take a short airplane flight.

Is Radiation from Dental X-Rays a Long-Term Risk?

The amount of radiation your child is exposed to during a dental X-ray is extremely low and not something that poses a long-term health risk. We take every precaution to minimize exposure, including using protective shields and limiting the frequency of X-rays to when they are absolutely necessary. Modern digital X-ray technology is safe and designed with your child’s health in mind.

How Often Should Children Have X-Rays?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your child’s dental health and individual needs. For children with a higher risk of cavities or other dental issues, we might recommend X-rays every 6 to 12 months. For those with low risk, X-rays may only be needed every few years. Each child is different, so we customize the X-ray schedule based on their specific situation.

Can We Skip X-Rays if My Child Is Fussy?

If your child is particularly fussy or anxious about getting an X-ray, we understand that it can be tempting to skip it. However, X-rays provide critical information that helps us keep your child’s teeth healthy. If necessary, we can work with you to find a time when your child is more comfortable or use techniques to help ease their anxiety. It’s important to balance their comfort with the need to ensure their oral health is being properly monitored.

Conclusion

Dental X-rays are a safe, effective tool to help monitor your child’s oral health and ensure their teeth are developing as they should. While the idea of radiation can be worrying, the exposure levels are extremely low and present no long-term health risks. At Kids Dental Spot, we prioritize your child’s safety and comfort, and we’re here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about X-rays and your child’s dental care.

Kids Dental Spot is a dental office focused providing services to pediatric patients in Anaheim, California serving kids, children, infants and adolescents in the heart of Orange County serving nearby neighborhoods, such as: Fullerton, Brea, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Buena Park, Placentia, and Orange.

Written and Medically Reviewed by Dr. Atiya Bahmanyar, DDS (Board Certified - Doctorate of Dental Surgery)