Dental X-Rays – Are They Dangerous?

X-ray image.

Dental x-rays are usually used as a diagnostic procedure and it is considered safe as they have really low doses of radiation and produces just a small fraction of what other imaging procedures exposes you to. If you think you are going to need dental x-rays or if you are worried about getting one because of your medical condition, you should read on to know more about dental x-rays – why they are done and more.

 

What are dental x-rays for?

Dentists use dental x-rays to see issues that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Patients get dental x-rays if their dentist needs to detect and treat some issues that include areas of decay that are not visible, bone loss, abscesses, tumors, and more. Without an x-ray, these problems and more could go undiagnosed and get worse. Using x-ray as a reference, dentists are able to prepare treatments such as dentures, dental implants, braces, and others.

 

Are dental x-rays safe for children and pregnant women?

Some parents are concerned that dental x-rays may affect their children’s health as children are more sensitive to radiation. But you don’t have to worry because the amount of radiation that comes from a dental x-ray is still considered safe even for a child. Why would your child need a dental x-ray? Sometimes it is necessary to know for sure whether a child’s primary teeth are loosening the right way so new permanent teeth would come out properly, too.

As for pregnant women, it is generally advised that they avoid dental x-rays. Even if the radiation is very minimal, it’s still best to avoid any exposure at all for the health of the fetus developing inside the body. It is important that you inform your dentist if you are or you may be pregnant before getting any dental treatment, especially if you believe a dental x-ray may be required.

 

At Pickering Square Dental, we always do a careful clinical evaluation of our patients to minimize the need for dental x-rays. Note, however, that there are certain dental issues that would only be diagnosed using dental x-rays. If you want to know more about dental x-rays or if you need to discuss whether or not you need one, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you understand why it may be necessary for improving your oral health.

Do You Need a Periodontist?

Patient at dentists office, getting teeth examined with hand-held mirror and cleaned of tartar and plaque, preventing periodontal disease. Dental hygiene, painful procedures and prevention concept.

Every year, millions of people around the world are affected by periodontal disease or gum disease. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. One major concern is that most people do not realize that they have gum disease until they experience severe pain or they actually loose teeth. This is because there are very few symptoms of gum disease, especially in its early stages.

 

How Does Gum Disease Begin?

The problem starts when bacteria build up between teeth and along the gum line. As this happens, very few symptoms – if any- are visible or are felt. When bacteria continue to multiply, they can cause the gums to pull away from teeth. When the gum recedes, more of the tooth gets exposed to plaque and bacteria get even closer to the root as they get below the gum line. It is at this stage that tooth loss can happen.

When gum disease reaches an advanced stage, it may still be treated but the treatments would be more extensive and much more costly. It is therefore important that it gets caught as early as possible. Visiting your trusted dentist at Pickering Square Dental regularly is the best way to know for sure that your teeth and gums are healthy.

 

There are also a number of signs and symptoms that tell you that you need to see a periodontist:

* Gums are swollen, red, and bleeding, especially when you are brushing your teeth and flossing.

* Gums are receding. There may also be deep pockets between teeth and gums.

* There is an unpleasant taste in the mouth which tends to return even after you brush your teeth.

* You have chronic bad breath.

* Your teeth are moving and shifting out of their former alignment. They may also feel loose.

* You feel pressure or even pain when you are eating. This is because when there is infection around the tooth root, the pressure caused by biting food and chewing can result in discomfort or even pain.

* Your teeth are more sensitive to hot or cold food and beverages than usual. You feel more sensitivity as more of the roots of your teeth are exposed.

 

If you are noticing one or more of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with Pickering Square Dental so we can evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums. Remember that early detection is the key to fighting gum disease and saving your teeth!

What Does Your Lifestyle Do to Your Teeth?

picture of beautiful woman pointing to teeth

Poor oral health can affect your entire body. Yes, it’s true. It just won’t affect your teeth and gums but it may even lead to issues like diabetes, heart disease, and more. Alarming, eh? The good thing here is that there are actually things that you can do to reduce your risk and improve your oral health.

A healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference! You might not know it, but most of your habits affect your oral health in various ways.

Diet High in Sugar

Having a diet that is high in sugar affects your teeth no matter how diligently you brush them. The more sugar you eat, the more you are feeding the bacteria that contribute to tooth decay. Aside from tooth decay, sugary foods can also cause gum issues.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol can dehydrate the mouth. When this happens, saliva can’t flush away bacteria that enter the mouth. Excessive drinking may also keep a person from maintaining a really good oral hygiene routine.

Smoking

Everybody knows that smoking can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and sometimes even oral cancer. If you stop smoking, you’re minimizing your risk of getting throat and tongue cancers.

Medications

There are some medications that contain ingredients that can affect oral health. Some of them can cause dry mouth. Others result in staining. If you are taking new medications, make sure you let your dentist know so you can be offered solutions to any possible side effects that are related to your oral health.

A healthy body results in a healthy mouth, just as a healthy mouth contributes to your overall health. So if you want to enjoy both, make sure that you try your very best to have a healthy lifestyle and never neglect your teeth and gums! Eat a healthy diet and avoid harmful habits like drinking and smoking. Lastly, establish a good oral hygiene routine and visit Pickering Square Dental so we can check your oral health and help you prevent problems in the future!