When did your DC first get dental xrays?

[PZMommy]

My DS had them at 3. He has had so many other chest x rays for all of his lung issues, that the dental ones weren't a big deal in comparison.

[pharmjenn]

I THINK DS7 got his first set of x-rays in December (so just after his 7th bday.) They were prompted by his adult teeth all coming in behind the babies. I don't recall him getting any before this, but he may have. He just last week got his first filling, for which he was more depressed than scared about (depressed about having a cavity, scared about the filling)

[essnce629]

Hmm, DS2 had his first x-rays in the past year at 5 years old. I can't remember how old DS1 was.

How do you know if they're digital x-rays?

[citymama]

I think both kids at around 5 or 6.

[erosenst]

DD was 7 when the ped dentist recommened it to insure there weren't hidden orthodontia issues. There were - big time. We were then able to get to the orthodontist and do a palate extender when it was still really easy. (It gets harder by year, and very difficult after age 12 or so.)

[smilequeen]

My kids were around 5.

Tightly spaced baby teeth are a risk factor for cavities. If you wait until there is an externally visible reason to take the x-rays, you'll have a pretty big cavity already. The radiation is minimal and I would encourage people not to minimize the risk of bacterial infections in the oral cavity while exaggerating the risk of x-rays. I wouldn't encourage taking an x-ray for every little thing, but everything is a risk/benefit analysis. Tightly spaced baby teeth...try for occasional x-rays...these teeth are high risk. Spaced baby teeth...wait, everything is externally visible and lower risk.