“But do I really need a dental x-ray?”

If you think you can’t afford x-rays this time around, just think about whether you can afford to skip them…

In the United States, 29,600 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 1994 and 7,925 will die from it.
In Arizona, 350 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 1994 and 100 will die from it.
Besides tobacco consumption, drinking more than 3 oz. of alcohol a day (2 beers per week) puts you at an increased risk for oral cancer.
About 1 of 2 people diagnosed with oral cancer will survive 5 years.
In the early states, oral cancer is usually not painful. This is the ideal time for your dentist to identify it in the mouth or by x-ray. Without regular dental x-rays, it’s no surprise that by the time it’s detected, the cancer has grown, perhaps spread, and survival rates drop.
The American Cancer Society recommends getting a dental examination every 6 months. Also, according to the American Cancer Society: “Most medical and dental x-rays are adjusted to deliver the lowest dose possible without sacrificing image quality.”

Cancer Facts Figures—1994. American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
Facts on Oral Cancer. American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
Oral Cancer: What is Your Risk? American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
Mashberg A. Samit AM. Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Management of Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer. CA Cancer Journal for Clinicians.