Dental X-rays use a very small dose of radiation, and a pediatric dentist takes them only when they will change what is done for your child. Most children do not need them at every check-up. They are used to find decay between teeth that touch, to look at roots and the bone around them after an injury or infection, and to see teeth that have not yet come through. If your dentist recommends one, you can ask why it is needed and what it will show.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Dental X-rays are one of the lowest-dose imaging tests used in medicine. A single bitewing X-ray gives a dose that is a small fraction of the natural background radiation we all receive from our surroundings over a year. Dental guidelines, including those from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, say that X-rays should be taken only when there is a clinical reason, based on your child’s age, risk of decay and symptoms, and that the dose should be kept as low as reasonably possible.

The balance matters. Children’s tissues are more sensitive to radiation than adults’, which is why dentists are careful. But a missed cavity or infection also carries a real cost, because decay between teeth is invisible to the eye and can grow until it hurts. The decision is made one child at a time.

When does a child need a dental X-ray?

A dentist may suggest one when:

  • teeth touch each other and the surfaces between them cannot be seen, so a bitewing X-ray is used to look for decay
  • a child has had cavities before, or is at higher risk of decay
  • a tooth hurts, is swollen or has a pimple on the gum, and the dentist needs to see the root and the bone around it
  • a tooth has been knocked, loosened or broken (see our guide to dental trauma in children)
  • an adult tooth is late, missing, crowded or coming through in the wrong place
  • the dentist needs to see how teeth and jaws are developing before orthodontic treatment
  • a baby tooth needs treatment such as a filling, crown or pulp therapy

When is an X-ray not needed?

For a young child with a small number of teeth, spaces between them and no symptoms, the dentist can often check by looking and feeling. Many children with healthy teeth do not need an X-ray for years. If a visit is only a routine check, an X-ray is not automatic. Ask the dentist what they are looking for.

What types of X-ray are there?

Bitewing
a small image of the upper and lower back teeth together, to see between teeth and the level of the bone. This is the most common type for children.
Periapical
a close-up of one or two teeth from crown to root, used for pain, injury or infection.
Panoramic
a wide image of all the teeth and both jaws, used to check how teeth are developing and where unerupted teeth are. It is common before orthodontic treatment.

How is an X-ray taken with a child?

The process takes seconds. The dentist places a small sensor or film in your child’s mouth, steps out of the way and takes the image. Your child needs to stay still for a few seconds. If your child is nervous, a calm explanation, a practice run with the sensor and the chance to hold a parent’s hand all help. Let the dentist know beforehand if your child has sensory needs or finds it hard to keep their mouth open. Our guide to dental anxiety in children has more tips.

How often are X-rays repeated?

There is no fixed interval for every child. A dentist decides based on risk. A child at higher risk of decay may have bitewings repeated at an interval the dentist sets, while a low-risk child may go much longer. Ask the dentist for the reason and the plan, and keep a record of previous images so they do not need to be repeated unnecessarily. If you move clinics, ask for copies.

What can I ask the dentist?

  • What are you looking for with this X-ray?
  • How will the result change what you do?
  • Is there another way to check without an X-ray?
  • When will the next one be needed?
  • Can I have a copy of the images?

A good dentist welcomes these questions.

When to see a dentist

Do not wait for a scheduled visit if your child has tooth pain, a swelling or pimple on the gum, a tooth that was knocked or broken, or brown or black spots on a tooth. For regular check-ups, see our guide on how often children should see the dentist.

If your child has a swollen face, trouble swallowing or a fever with tooth pain, go to an emergency department.

How we can help at myPediaclinic

Dr. Shaima Buhamer, Specialist Pediatric Dentist, and Dr. Mustafa Abdalla, Specialist Pediatric Dentist and Director of the Dental Department, see children for check-ups, cleaning and fluoride through our routine cleaning, fluoride and sealants service. We take X-rays only when there is a clinical reason, tell you what we are looking for and explain what we find. Consultations at our clinic in Dubai Healthcare City are available in English and Arabic.

Frequently asked questions

Are dental X-rays safe during a child’s visit?

The dose is very small, and dentists take them only when needed. The risk of missing a problem can matter more than the dose from a single image. Ask your dentist to explain the reason.

Does my child need an X-ray at the first dental visit?

Usually not. The first visit is mostly looking, counting teeth and getting to know your child. An X-ray is taken only if the dentist sees a reason.

Can I stay with my child during the X-ray?

Usually yes, especially for a young or nervous child. The dentist will tell you where to stand. If you are pregnant, tell the dentist or reception beforehand so they can plan this.

Is a digital X-ray better than film?

Digital images generally use a lower dose than film and can be seen straight away. What matters most is that the X-ray is needed and the dose is kept low.

My child cannot keep still. What happens?

Tell the dentist. They can use a gentle approach, try a different type of image, or postpone the X-ray if it can wait.

To book, message us on WhatsApp at 052 218 1662 or call reception on 04 430 5926.