Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?

By the Berala Dental clinical team. Educational information only — this article is general information and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Please book a consultation to discuss your individual needs.

Modern dental X-rays for children use a very low dose of radiation, your dentist adds protective shielding, and images are only taken when they'll genuinely help your child's care. X-rays let us see things a visual check can't — decay starting between teeth, adult teeth forming under the gum, and how everything is developing. Used sensibly, the small amount of information they provide far outweighs the very low risk. Here's how they work and the safety steps involved.

Why children sometimes need X-rays

• Spotting hidden decay — cavities often start between teeth where they can't be seen or felt until they're larger.
• Watching adult teeth develop — X-rays show whether adult teeth are forming and coming through in the right position.
• Checking after an injury — if a tooth is knocked or bumped, an image helps us see the root and surrounding bone.
• Planning ahead — they help us see whether there's enough room for adult teeth and flag crowding early.

How much radiation is involved?

The dose from a routine dental X-ray is very small. Today's digital sensors need far less radiation than the old film they replaced, and the amount involved is comparable to a short period of the natural background radiation we're all exposed to every day from the sun, soil and air. Dentists follow the principle of keeping radiation “as low as reasonably achievable” — meaning we use the lowest dose that still gives a useful image.

The safety steps we take

• Only when it helps — we take X-rays because there's a clear reason, not as a routine on every visit.
• Low-dose digital images — these capture the picture with a fraction of the radiation of older methods.
• Protective shielding — a lead apron and/or thyroid collar can be used where appropriate.
• Careful positioning — getting it right the first time avoids repeat images.

How often does my child need them?

There's no fixed schedule that applies to every child. How often X-rays are useful depends on your child's individual risk — their history of decay, diet, age and how their teeth are developing. A child with healthy teeth and low decay risk needs them less often than a child who's had several cavities. We'll always explain why an image is being recommended and how it helps.

Talk to us about any concerns

If you have questions about X-rays for your child — including any concerns about radiation or shielding — please ask. We're happy to explain what we're looking for and why before anything is taken. If your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, covered services are bulk-billed; you can check eligibility here.

Frequently asked questions

Are dental X-rays safe for young children?

Yes — used appropriately, with low-dose digital images and shielding, the risk is very low and the information helps protect your child's teeth. We only take them when there's a clear reason.

How often should children have dental X-rays?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your child's decay risk and how their teeth are developing, so the interval is set individually rather than by a fixed timetable.

Do you use a lead apron?

A lead apron and/or thyroid collar can be used where appropriate. We're happy to talk through the protective steps before taking any image.

Can X-rays be avoided altogether?

Sometimes a visual check is enough, but some problems — like decay between teeth or unerupted adult teeth — simply can't be seen without an image. We weigh up whether the information is needed before recommending one.

Book a children's check-up

Book online, call (02) 9649 6468, or click our WhatsApp to chat now: message Berala Dental on WhatsApp.

We review this article periodically so the information stays current for 2026.