Are Dental x-rays safe?

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Are Dental X-rays Safe?

 

" At a recent dental visit, I expressed my concern about X-rays. The dentist

insisted that they were safe, and I consented to have them done. The lab

technician forgot to put a lead shield over my body before the X-rays were

taken. Since I have no doubt been exposed to unnecessary radiation, I'd like to

know, what should I do now? Are there foods, herbs, or anything else that can

counteract the damage done by X-rays one month ago? I am a healthy 39-year-old

male who has been a vegetarian over half his life. "

 

-- Tom Wallace

 

(Published 02/18/1997)

 

Your dentist or technician should always use shielding whenever an X ray is

taken. X rays knock electrons out of their orbits around an atom's nucleus,

creating charged particles. In high doses, this type of radiation -- ionizing

radiation -- can kill. In smaller doses, it can damage DNA, potentially harming

the immune system and promoting cancer. The rays are most harmful to rapidly

dividing cells, such as in the skin, the linings of hollow organs (like the

digestive tract), and the blood-forming immune systems.

 

 

I have always said there is no such thing as a safe dose of radiation.

Unfortunately, radiologists tend to minimize the hazards, and it shows up in

their vital statistics: Radiologists have a shorter life expectancy than other

doctors and a higher incidence of radiation-related cancers. Any dose, however

small, adds to your cumulative level, which is what determines your health risk

at any given time. If you're not having problems with your teeth and don't show

any symptoms of tooth decay, you should resist having dental X rays taken,

except occasionally. I don't allow them more than once every two years, maximum.

 

Another rule to follow is never to allow an X ray unless you understand and

agree with the reason for it.

 

Finally, there are some questions you can ask to make sure any X ray is the

safest possible. Ask how new the equipment is -- and whether it's been serviced

to make sure there's no leakage. You can also ask that exposure-limiting

techniques are taken: For example, there should be a special filter attached to

the X-ray tube that absorbs stray parts of the beam, reducing exposure by two to

five times.

 

Young women should be especially careful about X rays because of the risk of

breast cancer later on. To help counteract damage from X rays, I'd advise my

antioxidant vitamin cocktail, and eating lots of fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants help the body neutralize the harmfulness of radiation and repair

damage it may cause.

 

 

 

 

The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO "

Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

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