At What Age Should a Child Get Their First Dental X-Ray?

Children should start visiting the dentist when their first baby tooth breaks through, or by age one, whichever comes first. The first few dental visits are really about teaching parents and toddlers how to properly take care of the baby teeth and monitoring for early signs of any potential problems. But at a certain age, the dentist will need to get a more in depth look at what is going on in the child’s mouth, so a dental x-ray will likely be recommended. Let’s find out more about what dental x-rays are, why they are important, and when most children should start having them during their dental visits.

What are Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays, also known as dental radiographs, are simply images of the teeth and mouth structures made using high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Old school x-rays were done using physical film, but advancements in dental technology now allow x-rays to be captured digitally. With the main concern about x-rays being radiation exposure, patients love the digital version since it uses just a fraction of the radiation used in traditional x-rays.

Why are Dental X-Rays Necessary?

Children can’t always communicate exactly how they are feeling or if something is going wrong in their mouth, so dental x-rays give pediatric dentists an easy way to see the exact stage of development of the child’s teeth and to spot any potential problems. Identifying dental problems early is important, since an untreated dental issue can quickly turn into a painful emergency.

Age Recommendations for Dental X-Rays

Assuming the child doesn’t have any visible signs of cavities or decay, dental x-rays probably won’t be recommended until around ages 5-6. However, some pediatric dentists begin to introduce dental x-rays a bit earlier, around 3-4 years old. The exact age varies from child to child and requires a thorough assessment from a qualified pediatric dentist to determine when a dental x-ray is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental X-Rays

Does a dental x-ray hurt?

No, a dental x-ray should not hurt, although the position your child must be in for certain x-rays might be a bit uncomfortable. If your child is complaining of pain during a dental x-ray, discuss this with the dentist, as adjustments may need to be made to make your child more comfortable.

What if I don’t want a dental x-ray for my child?

Dental x-rays are an important diagnostic tool that allows your child’s dentist to see where the eyes cannot, helping them spot potential problems before they cause any pain or misalignments. Without dental x-rays, the dentist doesn’t have all the information they need to provide the most effective treatment. While we can still provide basic services for children without dental x-rays, more complex procedures to fix problems may not be possible.

Pediatric Dental Services in the Hudson Valley

Dental x-rays are just one of the many tools pediatric dentists use to thoroughly assess your child’s dental health and develop a dental care plan that keeps your child’s smile looking great as they grow up. If your family lives in the Hudson Valley, including Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, and Tarrytown, Briarcliff Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help ensure your child has optimal dental health in childhood and beyond. Our entire team is focused on dental care for children, so we know how to make even the most anxious little ones comfortable. Schedule an appointment with us by calling 914-762-6260 or request an appointment online today.