With thyroid cancer more than doubling in the last 30 years, the exposure to radiation from dental X-rays has to be looked into. There are precautions we can take.
The thyroid gland, a hormone producing gland, located at the base of the neck is a very sensitive gland to radiation exposure. Radiation exposure has been proven to be one of the causes of thyroid cancer. Unfortunately, due to the low dosages of radiation in dental X-rays they have been overlooked as a possible cause.A study that was reported in the Acta Oncologica that was conducted by the UK and Kuwaiti investigators states that there is and increased risk of thyroid cancer with multiple exposures to dental x-rays. Their research also correlated the previous finding of the increased risks of thyroid cancer in employees that work with X-rays.
Yet the American Dental Associations reports that 18 dental X-rays exposes a patient to 1-1.5 mrems, 4 bitewing X-rays expose the patient to .2-.3 mrems. Compare this to smoking 1.5 packs a day gives you 1300 mrem. cross country flight 4-5 mrem, living in a brick house 10 mrem/yr, Naturally occurring radiation from outer space, the earth and the food we eat gives the average American 360 mrem. per year.
The dental profession has always protected the public with chest lead aprons. Today with the modern technology, digital X-rays provide up to a 90 percent reduction in radiation. The digital X-ray method has no scatter radiation.
What can you do to protect yourself?
First, only have body and dental X-rays when there is a specific clinical need, not as a part of a routine check-up.
Second, protect your thyroid gland with a lead thyroid collar along with the protective lead chest apron.
Third, minimize young children’s exposure to unnecessary X-rays. Because children are very susceptible to thyroid-damaging radiation, parents please insist on the lead thyroid collar when there is a need for X-rays for dental and orthodontic procedures.
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