Dr. Erin Gustafson
Dr. Erin Gustafson was born and raised in northeast Texas, relocating to Lubbock to complete her undergraduate degree in Zoology at Texas Tech University.
Read more about Dr. Erin Gustafson
Find Us:
Patient Library
Find helpful information in our digital library.
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- Welcome (1)
- celebrity smiles (73)
- oral hygiene (18)
- orthodontics (13)
- braces (17)
- gum disease (10)
- clear aligners (2)
- snoring (2)
- sleep apnea (2)
- aging (1)
- orthodontic treatment (17)
- periodontal disease (5)
- cosmetic dentistry (7)
- oral surgery (2)
- oral health (20)
- gum recession (4)
- dental injury (5)
- mouthguard (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- nutrition (7)
- teeth whitening (5)
- pediatric dentistry (11)
- dental exam (1)
- toothache (3)
- tooth pain (3)
- root canal (4)
- bad breath (2)
- osteoporosis (2)
- dental care (1)
- dental implants (11)
- tooth grinding (1)
- baby teeth (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- endodontics (1)
- crowns (4)
- chipped teeth (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- palatal expander (1)
- facial pain (3)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (1)
- jaw pain (2)
- frenectomy (1)
- wisdom teeth (3)
- removable dentures (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- orthognathic surgery (1)
- jaw surgery (1)
- tooth decay (6)
- trigeminal neuralgia (2)
- bone grafting (2)
- bonding (1)
- fluoride (1)
- retainers (2)
- oral appliance (1)
- night guard (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- sealants (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- veneers (2)
- extractions (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- impacted teeth (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- oral cancer (1)
- retainer (2)
- dental cleaning (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- mouthguards (3)
- bone graft (1)
- bone loss (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- diabetes (1)
- x-rays (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- extraction (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- gerd (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- root canal treatment (2)
- dental implant (1)
Categories:
Advanced Equipment and Safe Practices Ensure X-Ray Safety for Children
When it comes to our children’s safety, there isn’t much nowadays that isn’t under scrutiny. Whether food, clothing, toys and more, we ask the same question: can it be harmful to children?
That also includes tried and true healthcare practices. One in particular, the routine x-ray, has been an integral part of dental care for nearly a century. As a means for detecting tooth decay much earlier than by sight, it has without a doubt helped save billions of teeth.
But is it safe for children? The reason to ask is because x-rays are an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate human tissue. As with other forms of radiation, elevated or frequent exposure to x-rays could damage tissue and increase the future risk of cancer.
But while there is potential for harm, dentists take great care to never expose patients, especially children, to that level or frequency of radiation. They incorporate a number of safeguards based on a principle followed by all healthcare professionals in regard to x-rays called ALARA, an acronym for “as low as reasonably achievable.” This means dentists and physicians use as low an exposure of x-ray energy as is needed to achieve a reasonable beneficial outcome. In dentistry, that’s identifying and treating tooth decay.
X-ray equipment advances are a good example of ALARA in action. Digital imaging, which has largely replaced film, requires less x-ray radiation for the same results than its older counterpart. Camera equipment has also become more efficient, with modern units containing lower settings for children to ensure the proper amount of exposure.
Dentists are also careful how often they take x-ray images with their patients, only doing so when absolutely necessary. As a result, dental patients by and large experience lower dosages of x-ray radiation in a year than they receive from natural radiation background sources found every day in the environment.
Dentists are committed to using x-ray technology in as safe and beneficial a way as possible. Still, if you have concerns please feel free to discuss it further with your dental provider. Both of you have the same goal—that your children have both healthy mouths and healthy bodies for the rest of their lives.
If you would like more information on x-ray safety for children, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “X-Ray Safety for Children.”