Yes, dental X-rays are considered safe for children when a dentist decides they are needed, because they use very low doses of radiation and modern techniques are designed to keep exposure minimal. At Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island, Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS approaches children's imaging the same way the American Dental Association recommends, by taking X-rays only when they will provide information that helps a child reach their best dental health. As a family practice, we treat X-rays as a targeted diagnostic tool, not a routine every visit, and we are always happy to explain the reasoning to a parent. You can learn more about how imaging fits into general care at Sola Dental Spa.
Dental X-rays emit very low doses of radiation, which makes the risk of harmful effects very small. Children may need them more often than adults because their teeth and jaws are still developing, but a dentist decides case by case, and the goal is always to use imaging in moderation.
“Parents often ask me whether an X-ray is really necessary for a child, and I welcome the question. My rule is simple: if the image will change what I do or catch something I cannot see by looking, it earns its place. If it will not, we skip it. That is how you keep exposure low and trust high.”
Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS, Founder, Sola Dental Spa
A parent from Great Kills once brought in a seven year old who had never had a problem, worried that an X-ray would be forced on every checkup. We explained that at that visit nothing about the exam suggested imaging was needed, so we did not take any. A year later, with two new molars erupting close together, a single small image helped us confirm there was room. Same child, two visits, two different answers, both driven by need rather than habit.
How much radiation is in a child's dental X-ray?
Very little. The American Dental Association describes dental X-rays as emitting very low doses of radiation, and doses today are lower than in the past thanks to advances in technology.
The American Dental Association explains that dental X-ray tools and techniques are designed to limit the body's exposure to radiation, and that radiation doses in dental imaging are much lower now than they used to be. That does not mean X-rays are taken casually. ADA experts still recommend imaging in moderation to lessen radiation exposure, which is the balance a good dentist strikes for every patient, child or adult.
Why might a child need X-rays more often than an adult?
Because children's teeth and jaws are still developing and changing quickly, X-rays can reveal things a visual exam cannot, such as how permanent teeth are forming or whether there is room for them to come in.
The ADA notes that children and teens may require X-rays more often than adults precisely because their mouths are still growing. Cavities between baby teeth, the position of unerupted permanent teeth, and developing bite issues are often invisible to the eye but clear on a small image. How often any individual child needs imaging depends on their present oral health, their age, their risk for decay, and any signs or symptoms present, which is why there is no fixed schedule that fits every child.
How does the practice keep exposure low for kids?
By taking images only when they are genuinely useful, positioning carefully so the beam is focused on the area of interest, and using modern low-dose equipment.
Careful positioning matters because a well-aimed image gets the diagnostic information the first time and avoids repeats. The ADA also notes that leaded aprons and thyroid collars are no longer routinely needed for patients of any age, since modern equipment already delivers such low doses and the shields can sometimes block the beam and force additional images. If a family has questions about any of this, the ADA's own guidance is clear: do not hesitate to ask your dentist, and at our practice that conversation is always welcome.
| What a dentist weighs | Why it matters for a child |
|---|---|
| Present oral health | Active decay or symptoms may call for imaging |
| Age and development | Growing teeth and jaws change what is worth seeing |
| Risk for disease | Higher decay risk can mean more frequent images |
| Signs and symptoms | Pain or swelling can make an image genuinely useful |
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need X-rays at every checkup?
No. Imaging is not automatic. At each visit we consider your child's oral health, age, and risk, and we take X-rays only when they will add information a visual exam cannot. Many checkups involve no images at all.
Is the radiation really that low?
Yes. The ADA describes dental X-rays as very low dose, and modern equipment has reduced that further. We still use imaging in moderation, because low dose is not the same as no reason.
Why did another office use a lead apron and you did not?
Guidance has changed. The ADA notes that abdominal and thyroid shielding is no longer routinely needed and can even block the beam, sometimes requiring extra images. Some offices still use shields due to local rules, and we are glad to discuss it.
Are you a family practice that sees children?
Yes, Sola Dental Spa is a family practice and we care for children as part of our general services. For complex pediatric needs we will always tell you honestly if a referral is the better choice for your child.
Can I ask questions before you take an image?
Always. The ADA specifically encourages parents to ask, and so do we. If you want to understand why an X-ray is recommended for your child, just ask and we will walk you through it.