Let’s talk about our little one’s pearly whites. As adults, we know how important dental health is, but it’s just as crucial for babies too. From teething pains to proper brushing techniques, there’s a lot to keep in mind.

But what happens when you need a closer look at your baby’s teeth to ensure they’re developing properly? That’s where X-rays come in.

Now, you might be wondering when it’s appropriate for babies to get X-rays of their teeth, and what exactly they can show us. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Today, we’ll be diving into the world of X ray of baby’s teeth, including their importance and when they’re typically done. So, let’s get to the root of the matter.

Are babies born with all their teeth in their skulls?

Ah, the toothy topic of baby teeth. So, let’s get straight to it. You see, baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, develop long before birth. In fact, they start forming when the baby is still in the womb. However, they don’t emerge until several months after birth.

The first tooth usually makes an appearance around six months of age, while the last tooth erupts by the time the child is three years old. Now, let’s dive a little deeper into the development of baby teeth.

A baby typically has 20 primary teeth, which are eventually replaced by permanent teeth. The chart below shows the usual timeline for when these little pearly whites emerge.

Now, you may ask, why are baby teeth so important? Well, for starters, they help with eating, and speech development, and even hold space in the jaw for adult teeth to grow into later on. Additionally, maintaining good oral health from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

When do babies get teeth X-rays?

Let me now discuss one very important thing related to x ray of baby’s teeth. Well, I am talking about the timing of x ray of baby’s mouth before teeth.

Generally, dental professionals may recommend x-rays for babies starting from the age of six months to a year. At this age, the baby’s first teeth should have already started to erupt, and an x-ray can help identify any potential issues with tooth development.

And, certain factors can influence how frequently it should be done. These factors include:

• The patient’s age.
• Current health status.
• Presence of oral disease symptoms, and
• The condition of their gums.

But of course, like any medical procedure, there are both benefits and risks to getting babys teeth x ray. However, the best part is, According to a short survey conducted by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, dental x-rays are safe for children and the amount of radiation exposure is low. In fact, children are exposed to more radiation from playing outside in the sun than they are from dental x-rays.

What are the 2 types of dental X-rays?

Now tell me, did you know that there are actually two types of dental X-rays? If not then let me answer this important question.

The first type is called intraoral, and the second type is called extraoral. Complicating? Fine, Let me explain a bit more.

1) Intraoral X-ray:

Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of dental X-rays. They allow dental care professionals to get a detailed view of a child’s teeth, enamel, and roots. These X-rays are typically used to detect cavities, check for bone loss, and evaluate the health of the tooth root.

The funny thing is intraoral X-rays are further divided into many types. Such as: bitewing, periapical, occlusal, and cephalometric.

2) Extraoral X-ray

This second type is used to capture a broader view of the entire mouth, jaw, and skull to evaluate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potential problems and diagnose sleep apnea. Extraoral X-rays include panoramic, tomographic, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) X-rays, etc.

How are x ray of baby’s teeth performed?

That’s it, I am now going to tell you all about x ray of baby’s teeth and how they are performed. Getting an x-ray of a baby’s teeth is a simple and almost safe procedure. So, here following are the steps involved in the process:

Preparation:

The dental professional will first ask the parent or guardian of the baby about their medical history, and any symptoms they may have. And then the reason for the x-ray.

Positioning:

Next? Well, The baby will be positioned on the dental chair, and the dental professional will use a lead apron to cover the baby’s body, except for the area being x-rayed.

X-ray machine:

Here is the main part. The dental professional will then use an intraoral x-ray machine, which is a small device that looks like a pen. The device will be placed in the baby’s mouth and positioned to take images of the teeth and jawbone.

Holding still:

It is important for the baby to stay still during the x-ray to ensure clear images. In some cases, a parent or guardian may be allowed to hold the baby during the procedure.

Finishing up:

The entire process usually takes a few minutes, and the dental professional will then review the images to ensure they are clear and accurate.

Post-procedure care:

Done bro! After the x-ray, the dental professional will provide instructions on how to care for the baby’s teeth and gums.

Conclusion

So, here I tried my best to provide you with all the information that is important in order to have a good dental x ray of baby’s teeth. If you are going for a first-time baby teeth x-ray, then I would recommend you consult with your nearest dentist.

Hoping for the best for you, just don’t forget to brush and floss regularly.