The risk of developing thyroid cancer may be associated with exposure to multiple dental x-ray, says researchers from Brighton and Sussex Medical School, the University of Cambridge, and Kuwait University. The study, a population-based case-control interview, involved 313 Kuwaitis with thyroid cancer.
Dr Anjum Memon, a senior lecturer and consultant in public health medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, stressed that continued research is critical in understanding the connection between this rare form of cancer and dental x-rays. Says Dr. Memon,
"It is important that our study is repeated with information from dental records including frequency of x-rays, age and dose at exposure. If the results are confirmed then the use of x-rays as a necessary part of evaluation for new patients, and routine periodic dental radiography (at 6-12 months interval), particularly for children and adolescents, will need to be reconsidered, as will a greater use of lead collar protection.
Our study highlights the concern that like chest (or other upper-body) x-rays, dental x-rays should be prescribed when the patient has a specific clinical need, and not as part of routine check-up or when registering with a dentist."
How can you decrease the potential for an increased risk of thyroid cancer? Before you have x-rays taken at your dental office, make sure the protective lead vest, that is placed over your body prior to taking an x-ray, has a thyroid collar. No, not every dentist uses a lead vest with a thyroid collar, in fact many dental offices where I was employed did not use a lead vest with this protective collar. Don't get me wrong, your dentist is very concerned about limiting your exposure to excess radiation, and I can't honestly tell you why your dentist may choose to use a lead vest that only covers from the chest down. Perhaps this study will ignite the need for x-ray safety to be reevaluated by dental professionals.
While I agree that carefully controlling radiation exposure is important. The study cited was performed in Kuwait where the incidence of thyroid cancer is higher than other parts of the world. Further, the number of dental x-rays was self-reported, meaning the subjects told the investigators how many x-rays they thought they had bee exposed to. This is not reliable way to establish the amount of dental radiation exposure. So while the intent of the authors, patient safety, is admirable, the study has some significant flaws.
I agree with you, Dr. Campbell. If I was asked how many x-rays I’ve had, for instance in the last five years, I don’t honestly think that I would provide a very accurate number.
Good tip. I wasn’t aware that the collar shield was an option.
Your risk for undetected dental disease will go up even higher if you don’t get the dental x-rays.
furthermore, the digital x-rays of today have drastically reduced the radiation.
We don’t need studies like this convincing insurance companies to reduce the interval for x-rays. I already have one insurance company only paying for them every OTHER year… wow… the stuff that can happen in two years is amazing.
I am a dental Nurse in UK. I have never worked in a practice that uses any type of lead vest in surgery for dental xrays. I have worn a badge that detects high levels of radiation. I also have an underactive thyroid. Could exposure have contributed to this?
As Ruth indicates, many countries don’t bother with the lead vest. The main vest component has little value other than serving as a warm security blanket.
The thyroid collar is the only useful part of it, as the thyroid is very sensitive to radiation exposure and benefits from the protection.
i am a dental hygienist and have been for the past 27 years. i had an overactive thyroid and now have an underactive thryroid. could this be as a result of all the dental xrays i have taken over the years? thanks for the help
I agree with you, I wanna to know how many x-rays in a year is safe for us. If i had 2 or 3 X-rays within one or one and a half year? Would you please post more article on related articles. Niles periodontist