Your dentist wants to take X-rays. You’re pregnant. Your mind is racing.
“Will this hurt my baby? Should I just refuse? What if I have a serious tooth problem that gets worse?”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. This exact scenario plays out in dental practices across London hundreds of times every day.
Here’s the thing: The internet is full of conflicting advice. Some sources make dental X-rays sound like ticking time bombs. Others brush off concerns entirely.
But what does the actual science say?
After diving deep into research papers, clinical studies, and official guidelines from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and American Dental Association, I’ve got the straight facts for you.
No fluff. No scare tactics. Just what you need to know to make the right decision for you and your baby.
Let’s Talk Numbers (The Reality Check You Need)
But here’s what most people don’t understand about radiation…
When we hear “radiation,” our brains jump to Chernobyl and nuclear disasters. That’s not what we’re dealing with here.
The foetal dose from a dental X ray exam, including CBCT, has been estimated to be between 0.009 μSv and 7.97 μSv. This is usually less than the estimated daily natural background dose received by the foetus.
What does this actually mean?
Every single day, you and your baby are exposed to natural background radiation from:
- Cosmic rays from space
- Radon gas in buildings
- Natural radioactive elements in soil and rocks
- Even bananas (they contain potassium-40)
The radiation from a dental X-ray is typically less than what your baby gets naturally in one day just from existing on planet Earth.
The Professional Guidelines Are Clear
Both the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association have stated that dental X-rays pose little to no risk to a fetus.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, dental care, including dental x-rays, are safe during pregnancy.
But here’s where it gets interesting…
Why Do Most Dentists Still Hesitate?
Even though the science is crystal clear, most dentists avoid taking X-rays during pregnancy unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Why?
It’s not because X-rays are dangerous. It’s because of something called the ALARA principle: As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Under the ALARA principle, dentists are encouraged to take precautions to help ensure that: All X-ray exposures are justified in relation to their benefits. Necessary exposures are kept as low as reasonably achievable.
Think of it like wearing a seatbelt. The chance of crashing on any given drive is tiny, but we still buckle up because why take unnecessary risks?
When Your London Dentist SHOULD Take X-Rays During Pregnancy
Here’s where many pregnant women get confused. They think avoiding X-rays is always the “safer” option.
That’s not necessarily true.
Sometimes, NOT taking X-rays poses a bigger risk to you and your baby than taking them.
You likely need dental X-rays during pregnancy if you have:
- Severe tooth pain that won’t go away
- Facial swelling
- Trauma to your teeth or jaw
- Signs of dental infection
- Bleeding gums that persist
- Broken or damaged teeth
Why? Dental infections can be serious during pregnancy. They can lead to:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Preeclampsia
- Systemic infection (sepsis)
Maintaining good oral health is vital during pregnancy, and dental x-rays play a crucial role in detecting early signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
The Safety Measures That Matter (And The Ones That Don’t)
Here’s something that might surprise you: Lead aprons aren’t necessary anymore.
After reviewing published studies on radiography, the expert panel determined lead aprons and thyroid collars are not necessary to shield patients from radiation exposure. These recommendations apply to all patients, regardless of age or health status (like pregnancy).
Modern digital X-ray equipment is so precise and low-radiation that additional shielding doesn’t provide meaningful protection.
However, research shows that when lead shielding was used: The foetal doses with or without the lead shields were far below the level associated with any practical radiation detriment to the foetus.
What About Different Types of Dental X-Rays?
Not all dental X-rays are created equal. Here’s the breakdown:
Bitewing X-rays (the small ones inside your mouth): Lowest radiation exposure Panoramic X-rays (the big machine that rotates around your head): Slightly higher, but still extremely safe CBCT scans (3D imaging): Highest dental radiation exposure, but still within safe limits
The foetal dose from a dental X ray exam, including CBCT, has been estimated to be between 0.009 μSv and 7.97 μSv.
For context, The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has recommended a total embryo or fetus exposure throughout pregnancy of no more than 5 mSv (5,000 μSv).
Even the highest dental X-ray exposure (7.97 μSv) is 626 times lower than the recommended safe limit for your entire pregnancy.
First Trimester Concerns: What The Research Says
Many women worry most about X-rays during the first trimester when organs are developing.
X-rays are deemed safe in small amounts, even to patients who are in their first trimester of pregnancy.
The scientific literature spanning from 1957 to 2021 has consistently shown no increased risk of birth defects from dental X-ray exposure at any stage of pregnancy.
How to Handle Your Next London Dental Appointment
Before your appointment:
- Tell your dentist immediately that you’re pregnant (or suspect you might be)
- Ask about the necessity of any X-rays
- Discuss your specific symptoms and concerns
During the appointment:
- Feel free to request a lead apron if it makes you more comfortable (even though it’s not medically necessary)
- Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything
- Remember that emergency treatment is often safer than delaying care
Questions to ask your dentist:
- “Is this X-ray necessary for diagnosing my current problem?”
- “What are the risks of delaying this X-ray until after pregnancy?”
- “Are there alternative ways to diagnose my condition?”
The Bottom Line for Pregnant Women in London
The research is overwhelmingly clear: dental X-rays during pregnancy are safe.
The radiation exposure is minimal—often less than you’d get from natural background radiation in a single day. The professional medical consensus from multiple international organizations supports this.
However, the decision ultimately comes down to necessity. If you have an acute dental problem that needs diagnosis, the benefits of X-rays far outweigh the negligible risks.
If it’s just a routine checkup and you can wait until after delivery, that’s fine too.
Finding the Right Dentist in London
When choosing a dental practice during pregnancy, look for:
- Clear communication about procedures and risks
- Modern digital X-ray equipment (lower radiation than film)
- Experience treating pregnant patients
- Willingness to discuss alternatives when appropriate
Don’t Let Fear Compromise Your Health
Here’s what many pregnant women don’t realize: dental problems can escalate quickly during pregnancy due to hormonal changes affecting your gums and teeth.
Avoiding necessary dental care—including diagnostic X-rays—can put both you and your baby at greater risk than the X-rays themselves.
The pregnancy hormones that make you glow also make your gums more susceptible to:
- Gingivitis (pregnancy gingivitis affects up to 70% of pregnant women)
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth decay
- Dental infections
These conditions are linked to pregnancy complications including premature birth and low birth weight—risks that are thousands of times higher than any theoretical risk from dental X-rays.
Trust the Science, Not the Fear
Pregnancy comes with enough real concerns. Dental X-ray safety shouldn’t be one of them.
The cancer risk to the unborn child resulting from a 10 µSv foetal dose is several thousand times less than the background risk of childhood cancer.
When medical professionals from the International Atomic Energy Agency, American Dental Association, American Pregnancy Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists all agree that dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy, you can feel confident in their collective expertise.
Your takeaway: Focus on maintaining good oral health throughout your pregnancy. If your London dentist recommends X-rays to diagnose a dental problem, the benefits almost certainly outweigh the minimal risks.
Your baby needs a healthy mum. Don’t let unfounded fears prevent you from getting the dental care you need.
Looking for a pregnancy-friendly dentist in London? Choose a practice with modern digital X-ray equipment and experience treating expectant mothers. Your oral health is crucial for both you and your baby’s wellbeing.