Q & A EPISODE
Is a thyroid shield necessary to wear when visiting the dentist?
All x-rays emit ionizing radiation, which can cause cell damage and increase your risk of developing cancer.
Dental x-rays are a particular concern for those with thyroid health conditions because of their proximity to the thyroid gland and the frequency at which they are typically done.
Today I’m sharing some research studies on the use of thyroid shields, the risks of dental x-rays, and my recommendations for your next dental visit.
During this episode, you’ll learn:
- The increased risk of thyroid cancer reported in dentists, dental assistants, and x-ray workers
- Why it’s essential to use a thyroid shield for all dental radiography
- Different types of lead aprons and their effectiveness
- The reduction in radiation exposure provided by thyroid shielding
As always, I hope you found this episode valuable, and I look forward to catching you in the next episode!
Mentioned in this episode
- Article | Can Dental X-Rays Cause Thyroid Cancer?
- Research Articles
- Memon A, Godward S, Williams D, Siddique I, Al-Saleh K. Dental x-rays and the risk of thyroid cancer: a case-control study. Acta Oncol. 2010;49(4):447-453.
- Neta G, Rajaraman P, Berrington de Gonzalez A, et al. A prospective study of medical diagnostic radiography and risk of thyroid cancer. Am J Epidemiol. 2013;177(8):800-809.
- Wingren G, Hallquist A, Hardell L. Diagnostic X-ray exposure and female papillary thyroid cancer: a pooled analysis of two Swedish studies. Eur J Cancer Prev. 1997;6(6):550-556.
- Sikorski PA, Taylor KW. The effectiveness of the thyroid shield in dental radiology. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1984;58(2):225-236.
- Schneider AB, Kaplan MM, Mihailescu DV. Thyroid Collars in Dental Radiology: 2021 Update. Thyroid. 2021;31(9):1291-1296.
- Fakhoury E, Provencher JA, Subramaniam R, Finlay DJ. Not all lightweight lead aprons and thyroid shields are alike. J Vasc Surg. 2019;70(1):246-250.
- Hoogeveen RC, Hazenoot B, Sanderink GC, Berkhout WE. The value of thyroid shielding in intraoral radiography. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2016;45(5):20150407.
- Save My Thyroid | Episode 64: Biological Dentistry and Thyroid Health with Dr. Eric Kempter
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