Recently, I was messing around on the internet and ran across an article about a Link Between Dental X-rays and Brain Tumors. Like dentists and other dental professionals need any news articles to scare patients anymore than they usually already are! I have heard "I'm scared of the dentist" more times than I have brushed my own teeth. Not really, I brush my teeth a lot, but you get the idea! It's disturbing, actually. Yes, all radiation can cause some biological effects. But seriously, the risk is so low for any ill effects when taking dental x-rays every 6 months to a year. Honestly, you just have to do a pro/con worksheet. Are the benefits of having dental x-rays outweighing the possible risks? Yes, as a dental professional, I would definitely say a big fat, yes. The general public still cannot quite grasp just how completely and truely important oral hygiene really is. Oral health has effects on the entire body, not just the mouth!
The article does mention that dental x-rays are an essential procedure in the dental field, but that dental professionals should limit exposure. Listen guys, we go to school for long periods of time, and I would say that dental schools are not fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of schools, its HARD work. We know that we shouldn't take x-rays just to take x-rays, we do it because we know it is beneficial to both us as professionals to help the diagnostic process and beneficial to the patient because they see the effects of their oral hygiene in a radiograph. I understand that there can be misuse and order unneccessary radiographs, but I would say 90% of the time, all dental xrays that are prescribed are necessary in the dental diagnostic process.
The moral of the story is.... is that this article is really almost out there to scare people, and not to say that the public should not be aware of the possible risks of radiation--- in general. This particular article has no statistics at all, to show its readers actually how many people that have had dental xrays end up with brain tumors BECAUSE of the dental xrays. There is radiation everywhere, not just in the dental setting. So, people, don't NOT go to the dentist because you are deathly afraid of brain tumors, the risk is very low, and if you use this state of mind... then really, you shouldn't go to your medical doctor either because they might order xrays of your chest, which is linked to lung disease. Also, those medicines they are prescribing you is causing you to be resistant to all drugs and you are probably gong to develop an uncurable disease and no medicine ever will cure you.
Sorry, dental student rant. I'm done. Go to the dentist.
American Dental Association talks about exactly what dental xrays are and what the benefits to both the patient and the dental professional. This article talks about why you should visit the dentist regularly.
No, you really don't need any help scaring people away from the dentist. Due to issues/situations I had with one as a kid I didn't go for years (like lots of years) luckily I got away with just a few cavities for my efforts. I've got a good dentist now & while I might not go quite as often as I should, I'm doing way better with going. Small steps :)
ReplyDelete