At Minimint Pediatric Dentistry, we follow the ALARA principle — “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” — to keep radiation exposure to a minimum while still providing the best care for your child. Dental X-rays are extremely low in radiation and safe, but we believe they should only be taken when necessary. We use digital imaging and ensure our team is highly trained to capture the most information with the least exposure possible. For most children at low risk for cavities, we aim to take the first set of X-rays around age 4.5, which helps us check for cavities between teeth, missing or extra teeth, and other developmental concerns. Annual X-rays are recommended in most cases, though we may extend the interval to 18–24 months for kids with a consistent history of low cavity risk. X-rays may be taken earlier if there are signs of a problem — such as injury, tooth pain, gum swelling, visible spots on teeth, or unusual eruption patterns. Your child's safety is our top priority.