Benefits of Oral X-Rays in Kids

Oral X-rays are common dental procedures performed during a dental examination. They help to reveal dental issues and monitor proper tooth development in kids. Despite this, many parents' concern is whether X-ray is safe for their kids. With modern technology, dental X-rays are safe and effective. They emit less radiation than the traditional X-rays. Therefore, they do not cause negative health effects. Learn the benefits of X-rays in children:

Detect Early Tooth Decay

Some dental issues, such as tooth decay, start silently until they reach the advanced stage. In most cases, decay happens when the teeth' enamel wears away. This allows bacteria to enter through the teeth until they reach the center of the tooth. At this stage, infection may occur, and if left untreated, it can progress to the roots. In this case, the only treatment left to restore your kid's oral health is tooth extraction.

Luckily, dental X-rays can detect early decay to prevent its progression. During the examination, a dentist will check the state of the enamel and whether there are tiny holes in the tooth. This allows them to reverse the decay before it causes damage.

Monitor Teeth Growth And Development

The development of your kid's teeth will determine how their smile will be in their adulthood. Do you know it is easier to correct dental abnormalities during childhood than adulthood? For instance, treating crookedness caused by thumb sucking and pacifier use can be as simple as stopping the habits. If ignored, the crookedness may become severe, and the only way to fix it may be surgery. In this case, a dental X-ray is vital to monitor teeth and jaw development and abnormalities.

In addition, an X-ray allows the dentist to see the amount of space available in the jaw for permanent teeth development. It also helps them to determine if the permanent teeth are present below the gum line. Do you want to improve your kid's oral hygiene and ensure good development of their teeth, gums, and jaws? Contact us to schedule pediatric dental X-rays.