Are dental x-rays safe?

---

What foods are healthy for your teeth? What foods should you avoid that may be damaging your teeth?

Here are the foods to avoid:

-Acidic foods, like citrus or vinegars, can cause enamel damage. If you eat a lot of acidic foods, consider using enamel strengthening toothpaste like a high fluoride toothpaste.

Dental x-rays are considered very safe and only expose you to a very low amount of radiation. A single dental x-ray is less radiation exposure than eating 10 bananas or flying in an airplane. Dental x-rays are not only clinically necessary, but legally necessary to diagnose and treat dental patients. Some things that can be detected with x-rays include cavities, bone loss, dental infections, and oral pathology (cancers and tumors). Typically, a full mouth series or panoramic x-ray is indicated every 3-5 years depending on your periodontal health, and check-up x-rays (bite-wings and periapical x-rays) every year. For pregnant patients, typically x-rays are avoided unless the patient is having a dental emergency. Feel free to bring up any concerns you have to your dentist or dental hygienist. -Ice chewing can break and damage teeth.

-Sticky foods get stuck in the groves of your teeth and make it difficult to keep your teeth clean.

Here are some foods that are good for your teeth:

-Dairy, which is rich in calcium and has minerals that strengthen teeth and bones.

-High fiber foods keep your teeth clean and they also stimulate saliva.

-Sugarless chewing gum stimulates saliva. 

The most important thing about the foods to avoid is the length of time your teeth are exposed to them. If you want to drink a soda, drink it through a straw and follow it up with some water. Sipping on soda or sweetened coffee all day increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the sugars and acids. Shortening that exposure time will decrease enamel damage.