What age do kids get their first dental x-ray?

As a parent, you want to protect your child’s health—including their dental health—but you may have questions when the dentist mentions taking X-rays. Are they really necessary? Are they safe for young kids? And most commonly: what age do kids get their first dental X-ray?

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about dental X-rays for kids, including when they’re typically recommended, why they matter, and what to expect at your child’s appointment.

Most children get their first dental X-rays around age 4 to 6, depending on their individual dental development and any concerns their dentist may have.



Here at Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we evaluate your child’s needs based on their age, risk for cavities, and how their teeth are coming in. We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach—our goal is to take X-rays only when they’re necessary and beneficial.

📌 Common milestones:

• Around age 4–6: Bitewing X-rays may be recommended to check for cavities between the teeth.
• Around age 6: Panoramic X-rays may be used to get a full view of the jaw, incoming adult teeth, and overall development.

Why Are Dental X-Rays Important for Kids?

Even the most experienced dentist can’t see everything going on inside your child’s mouth just by looking. Dental X-rays allow us to:



• Spot cavities between teeth before they cause pain
• Monitor tooth and jaw development
• Detect missing, extra, or impacted teeth
• Check for infections or bone issues below the surface

These images give us the complete picture of your child’s oral health—and help us treat small issues before they become big problems.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Children?

Yes. Modern dental X-rays are extremely safe, even for young children. At Sweet Tooth, we use digital X-rays, which emit much less radiation than traditional film X-rays—often 90% less.

Plus, we always:

• Use a lead apron and thyroid collar for protection
• Keep exposures as brief and minimal as possible
• Follow all pediatric guidelines set by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

As a parent, it’s completely normal to be cautious—but rest assured, X-rays are a safe and valuable tool when used responsibly.

How Often Will My Child Need X-Rays?

It depends on their age, risk for tooth decay, and whether any dental concerns arise. In general:

• Low-risk kids may only need X-rays every 12–24 months
• Higher-risk kids (those prone to cavities or with orthodontic needs) may need them more frequently
• During orthodontic evaluations, panoramic or cephalometric X-rays may be used to assess jaw growth and teeth positioning

Your child’s dentist will create a personalized plan that balances safety with the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Making the First X-Ray Visit Comfortable

We know new things can feel a little intimidating for kids. That’s why our team is trained to make the experience easy and stress-free. We walk your child through the process in a fun, age-appropriate way and explain everything before we begin.

Most kids are surprised by how fast and easy the process is—no discomfort, no scary machines, just a quick picture to help keep their teeth healthy.

Have Questions About Your Child’s First X-Ray? We’re Here to Help.

Still unsure when your child should get their first dental X-ray? Our caring team at Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is happy to walk you through the process and answer every question along the way.

📍 With six convenient locations across the Kansas City Metro, we’re here to help your child grow up with a confident, healthy smile.

Schedule your child’s dental visit today and get expert care in a fun, family-friendly environment!