Are X-Rays at the Dentist Causing the Most Common Type of Brain Tumor?
- Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:00pm by
Liz Klimas
- Print »
- Email »
If you go to the dentist for the recommended twice yearly check-up, chances are every once in a while you’re biting down on a tab and having a circular tube take an X-ray of your teeth, searching for dreaded decay. A new study published in the journal Cancer is saying there could be a link between these X-rays and the most common form of brain tumors: meningioma.
Before panic ensues and you cancel all your dentist appointments — don’t do that — know that meningioma is usually benign, although it is often associated with some symptoms such as headaches.
The Washington Post reports the study found those who had meningioma were twice as likely to also have had a type of dental X-ray called “bitewing X-rays” in their life. A bitewing X-ray is one showing both the upper and lower teeth and how they touch each other allowing the doctor to search for areas of decay between teeth, among other things.
Bitewing X-ray. (Photo: Shutterstock)
CNN reports the average age of the 1,433 patients in the study was 57, with a range from 20-year-old to 90-year-old participants. The average age links the potential that those with brain tumors could have been exposed to higher levels of radiation than are currently used today. The study also evaluated 1,350 people who did not have meningioma.
Patients who had Panorex X-rays, those that take an image of all the teeth in one around-the-head-shot, at 10 years old or younger were reported as 4.9 percent more likely to have the tumor.
The Washington Post has more on the findings:
The study reports that ionizing radiation is the major environmental risk factor for meningioma and that dental X-rays are the most common artificial source of exposure to ionizing radiation in the United States.
Lead author Elizabeth Claus, professor at the Yale School of Public Health and a neurosurgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, noted that risk factors for meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed form of brain tumor, remain poorly understood, in part because meningioma was only added to brain tumor registries in the United States in 2004.
Dental X-ray being taken. (Photo: Shutterstock)
To Claus, this study shows that people might be getting X-rays more often than they should. The Food and Drug Administration only recommends adults get X-rays every two to three years, depending on their propensity to develop cavities, and children every one to two years. CNN has more on these thoughts:
There’s currently a low threshold for dentists to order dental X-rays, says Dr. Keith Black, director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, who was not involved in the study. Even if X-rays are not necessary for a procedure, dentists often request them as part an annual exam. Black hopes dentists will pay attention to this research linking the X-rays to brain tumors.
There are important uses for dental X-rays in making decisions regarding certain procedures. But if the teeth are otherwise healthy, Black recommends against the radiation.
The dental community is saying the study has some flaws that would need to be fixed and the re-evaluated before the findings could be taken seriously as a correlation. For example, those in the study were going by memory that they’d had the X-rays, not based on their dental record. Here’s what the American Dental Association said in a statement about the research:
The ADA has reviewed the study and notes that the results rely on the individuals’ memories of having dental X-rays taken years earlier. Studies have shown that the ability to recall information is often imperfect. Therefore, the results of studies that use this design can be unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call “recall bias.” Also, the study acknowledges that some of the subjects received dental x-rays decades ago when radiation exposure was greater. Radiation rates were higher in the past due to the use of old x-ray technology and slower speed film. The ADA encourages further research in the interest of patient safety.
Claus has said she doesn’t want these findings to be a cause for panic but that it be a conversation between patients and their dentist.
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 595 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 420 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 415 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 390 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 378 Comments
Faith
Arab-Muslim Character to Join DC Comics‘ ’Green Lantern’ Series Read More- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 420 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 415 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 390 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know 100 Comments- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 303 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 420 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (55)
Free2speakRN
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:44pmWell, there go the English dental jokes…. Socialistic dentistry.
The X-rays taken today, if digital, are almost nothing. I think it would take about 150 bitewings to amount to only one single x-ray in the 1950s on a lower large jaw. The x-ray film being the same size of the bite-wing x-ray film. The older ‘cone’ x-ray machines spread out radiation like a lit candle. The newer machines localize the beam.
Something is being done to drive down costs. Nice idea, but the same with mammograms. Oral health will be sacrificed. With the increase of decay, bacteria, oral cancer will also increase. Like anything, it’s a balance. With the new machines, bite-wings every 1 1/2 years would be a very safe compromise.
If there ‘is’ rampant decay between the teeth, because of putting off BWs, will there be ‘tort’ reform installed and enforced ‘before’ the patient is shocked with all the ‘new’ decay that started 2 years before? And now needing a Root Canal, and a Crown on more than one tooth, who will pay for it. The ‘panel’ will decide which teeth are important, and what to ‘do’.
Good luck with the removable partial denture that will collect plaque and rot the teeth with the hooks.
Report Post »Some of my best friends are dentists, and prevention it the key. If you don’t get the BWs, don’t expect your dentist to know. Ladies, get your mammograms. If not, you’ll be sorry.
AmericanStrega
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:34pmThe real culprit? CHEMTRAILS! lol
Report Post »G-WHIZ
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 11:03amAll “X-Rays, today are even thousanths-of-a-percent less radiation than a “radium-watch”-dial of the early-60′s. And yet again the Progs ar starting(necessarily) annother smoke-screen-crysis to keep their agenda rolling-rite-along.
Report Post »debgab
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 10:09amYes, because the tumor is benign doesn‘t necessarily mean it won’t cause problems, either minimal or worse. My husband battled a pituitary tumor for 10 years and ultimately died from it and the complications it caused. An expert surgeon, one whose very experienced in surgeries to remove these kind of tumors is your best chance for a cure.
Report Post »teamarcheson
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 11:01amMy dentist says dental X-rays are harmless and that is why he hides behind a lead wall.
Report Post »Tigress1
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 9:15amJust because a brain tumor might be “benign” doesn‘t mean that it can’t KILL you! Any mass that is growing inside the enclosed space of the skull can kill you, simply because it squishes other parts of the brain and the brain cannot push itself out like it could if it was in a soft part of the body. Any brain tumor is serious. “Benign” simply means that it won’t spread to other parts of the body.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 9:22amyes even a benign brain tumor can have a dramatic impact on ones life. slouching or drooping of the face, hearing loss, speech impairment, headaches etc.
Report Post »chdorb
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 8:50amYes. I’ve said so for years. I‘ve also said for years that eventually I believe they will understand that most cancers are caused by mutated virus’. I didn’t need zillions of dollars in grants, a PHD or 50 years to arrive at the conclusions they are now espousing.
Report Post »birdlady
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 8:49amIs this one of those of darn if you and darn if you don’t?
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 10:49amWhen you try to refuse x-rays, they poo-poo you. Face it, John Q, public, this is how they make more money. When I get my teeth cleaned, I refuse x rays unless I have a problem.
I would go several years before mammograms for same reason. They laugh at you and say you get more rays from TV than from their machines. People, they lie just like our PreZ.
I worked for Oral Surgeons years ago and when I saw one Dr. leave the entire area when x-rays were taken, it made an impression on me. If someone made a mistake and took the x-ray before he left the room, he’d go into a mad rage.
Report Post »If you’ve noticed, they are now changing many of the rules of x-rays, which tells me THEY know most of this over use is dangerous. A lot to consider, but I think from my experience working, it was all about the extra money more than a personal concern for the patient. Been there, done it.
SgtB
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:35pmAnd to add to that pearl of wisdom…
Dental x-rays are just the tip of the iceberg. Just think of all the people who bump their head and are immediately x-ray’d and then when that is inconclusive the doctor demands a CAT scan. I’d say that the majority of x-rays and every other scan are totally wasteful and don’t provide any more information about the ailment than could be gleaned from a thorough physical examination of the patient with technology and instruments that are free and far less cancer causing.
Report Post »badswing
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 8:03amdid they really do a study where they relied on the patient to determine if or when they had xrays?????what a joke. i will bet anyone that less than 10% of patients who even routinely go for check ups and cleanings can recall when they had xrays. THEY ALL THINK THEY KNOW, just like they think it was “about 8-9 months ago” since their last check up when in reality it was over 18 months or even 2.5 yeras ago. it also doesnt mention if the dentist has digital xrays . such a significant aspect . the fact that that info is missing is further proof that this study is worthless. HAS ANYONE NOTICED THAT ALL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS are BEING PICKED OFF AS BEING DONE TOO FREQUENTLY. mamograms: being done too early and too often, theN PAP SMEARS . then instead of doing it one by one they came out this week with a list of 45 tests that all of a sudden were deemed to be performed too frequently. now the dental x ray. people prepare to fight. our society is being taken away from us RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES.
Report Post »imsteph
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 8:21ama local emory university dentist came out against this supposed ‘study’ with disdain last night on our local news-
saying that the ‘researchers’ did nothing to actually do any research into actual medical records of the subjects—just took their word from their memory of having xrays…
and no other data —
gov funded?
wasted tax dollars yet again?
something to cause yet another fear?
Report Post »what a crock.
statement
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 10:35pmIt is interesting that the same people that are reading The Blaze are also latching onto stories perpetuated by the mainstream media. ….stories (not news) that are not founded upon real fact and truth but prey upon our emotions. These are not double-blinded, controlled studies! “News” based upon peoples’ memory of how many and how often x-rays were taken. …a “study” that can’t explain why one type of x-rays didn’t create the same results.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 7:47amScare tactics, people, nada mas.
Too long we have put our faith and trust in our government, doctors, nurses, librarians, teachers, whomever. Time to put our trust in THE ONE WHO is worthy of our fidelity, love and loyalty.
Brush our teeth, floss, take care as best we can and say, “No, thank you.” to unnecessary x-rays.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 9:20amand don’t let your kids drink flourinated water lest they develop hypo flourosis like me, keep them away from sweets make sure they floss and if you get a cavity, don’t wait until you need any xray and a root canal
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 7:22amI wonder how many people are glowing because of cat-scans..?
Report Post »piper60
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 7:42amMRI’s as well.
Report Post »kcares
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 6:32amYou know what the truth of this is? To cut health care! Get used to it. The Supreme Court has got to overturn Obummercare before we lose all of our rights as American citizens..
Report Post »blanco5
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 7:15amExactly what I was thinking! We can’t trust reports anymore with prez islamacare still viable.
Report Post »badswing
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 7:55amwhen “the one” decided that government knows best about our health the propaganda started. Mamograms were being taken “unecessarily”. then it was the prostate tests, then it was the pap smear. then they got serious and said that 45, yes 45 tests were routinely being done unecessarily. now its the dental x-ray. next will be the check up.
Report Post »EP46
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 6:25amGoing to the dentist costs money…everyone can’t afford to go…so let’s stop those who can from taking care of their teeth until they are ready to fall out.
Report Post »BehindBlueEyes
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 5:11amMicrowaves from cell phones and other products are what we need to worry about.
Report Post »suz
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 4:04ami would have liked it if they indicated WHERE THE TUMORS MIGHT BE i.e, behind the ear, etc.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 2:35amEinstein: Unified Field Theory!
Report Post »brntout
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 2:13amThrough the teeth and over the gums, look out stomach here it comes.Uhhhh….is that appropriate?
Report Post »brntout
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:48amOkay came to grips with paper or plastic.Cut down that damn tree and drill,baby drill….OOps dentists don’t take note…
Report Post »kcares
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 6:29amTo brntout: wrong article!
Report Post »brntout
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 8:38am@KCARES Earlier post,ck it out.Meant to post on “paper or plastic” ,but just seemed fitting to fit on this one.Dentist told me it was mandatory to get a bite (me) wing x-ray before he could do anything to my teeth. Like he hadn’t had a day in class,or was absent on the lab days where they actually performed dental procedures.
Report Post »mymissusisanutter
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:40amRead this story earlier on revolutioninmedia.wordpress.com
Interesting theory considering that radiation causes cancer and the dentist X-rays you more than most doctors would. Could be a real link there some where.
Report Post »BehindBlueEyes
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 5:17amNow you know why the dental assistant runs out of the room to push the zap button.
Report Post »brntout
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:31amI dunno,still reeling from paper or plastic. Must have been a Cauliflower moment.
Report Post »Listen_then_think
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:01amThe biggest flaw in the study is the fact that they don’t include CT scans or chest x-rays or any of the other most common forms of radiation. Digital x-rays now are equivalent to about 5 min in the sun. So 2 times a year you get 4 bitewing x-rays, stay out of the sun for 40 min in a year to make up for it. If you are really that worried about meningioma radiation causality, don’t go in an airplane or get a suntan, a CT scan or don’t get a cancer where they actually give you radiation therapy to kill the cancer.
Report Post »Paranoid Patriot
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:15amWhen i was in medical school i was taught that the incidence of Thyroid Cancer is exactly the same curve as CT scan incidence and has increased with the proliferation of CT scan’s as diagnostic tools. If you don‘t NEED radiation don’t get radiated. Ask for MRI or other diagnostic methods instead.
Report Post »blaaaaackwoman
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 2:35amThe ophthalmic industry is trying to drum up research that blue light is bad for you, to sell more sunglasses. They have even renamed blue light, High Energy Visible light, HEV, to make it sound more dangerous. Guess what, if your sunglasses are not wrapped, the back surface will reflect uv light into your dilated pupils when you face away from the sun so that you get more uv radiation when you’re not facing the sun than you would if you had no sunglasses at all on.
I think Glenn has sort of macular problem, a recent study showed twice the incidence of macular degeneration in those taking a daily aspirin.
Report Post »apollo18
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 4:17amblkwmn:
Heard that too, about the aspirin. So when do they recommend starting the vitamins?
Report Post »conservativewoman
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:57pmPeople in the study going by memory!? A dentist won’t do anything for you until you have had an x-ray! Everybody knows that! Of course they know they’ve had an x-ray.
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 7:55amI don‘t remember ever getting xrays at the dentist until the mid 80’s as a regular course of a dental visit. None as a kid (except from the orthodontist prior to getting braces and that was only 1 full face shot).
Report Post »ZaphodsPlanet
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:50pmI’m guessing the dentists were feeling left out? All the doctors have God only knows how many ways to kill us, now the dentists have one too. I swear current medical technology is still just barely beyond that of the barber using leeches.
Have a cavity….. that’s a bleedin
Have a headache…… that requires a bleedin
Arm cut torn off by a rabid bear…. stitches… and a bleedin
Brain tumor from X-rays at Dentists, identified by taking more X-rays of course… you guessed it… that’s a bleedin
But relax, you’re in the hands of a college educated Dr. with years and years of brainwashing… I mean education. Since you heard that I‘m afraid we’re gonna have to bleed ya just a little bit.
Report Post »shotzie
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 2:10am@ZAPHODSPLANET – And after the medical or dental school brainwashing – they continue the brainwashing with daily visits from pharmaceutical reps, which seems to me to often be the ONLY source of information the dr’s ever look at about the vast multitude of drugs they dispense.
Report Post »ADNIL
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 5:25amIn the old days they were bled red. Now we bleed green, and, it is mostly through insurance companies that bleed us whether we get any medical care or not. Now, the gubbament wants in on the action.
Report Post »American Capitalist
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:37pmI actually just read this study. Some may guess that the American Dental Association is trying to protect themselves with their statement, but the study does have some major flaws. We do all know that minimizing radiation is a good thing though.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:11pmI think all politicians should get their teeth checked twice a month (With X-Ray), every month that their in office. How many 2 term senators would their be?
Report Post »Restored One
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:38pmWell, parents should definately worry, because pediatric dentists push for x-rays on kids every other cleaning. As an adult, I think that they take advantage of this service and cost. After a certain age and if you do not have any periodontal issues, you do not need xrays annually. The ortho/dentisrty industry is a scam. Is this included in Obamacare? Oh crap, delete.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:10pmWell we all have to die from something. Most of us are not going to be around 10 years from now anyways.
Report Post »Itsjusttim
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:14pmIf most people haven’t come to terms with the possibility of death yet, you might want to start.
Report Post »wewantchillywilly
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:25pmi bet you’re just a joy to be around…
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:34pmTim:
Report Post »I bet you favorite movie scene is from the Shining.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
CatB
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:15amTimmy’s theme song …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djU4Lq_5EaM&feature=fvst
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 12:21amTim says:
“Most of us are not going to be around 10 years from now anyways.”
—————————————————————————————————
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. What the HELL are you talking about!??
No, no, no. Don’t answer that. I don’t need to hear about how Jesus is coming back to damn everybody who uses plastic waste recepticals rather than galvanized aluminum or some such nonsense.
Report Post »Cesium
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 1:04am@ITSJUSTTIM Since we’ll be gone in 10 years, you won’t mind at all transferring your life savings to me towards the end of the decade.. Lets set this up.
Report Post »brntout
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 2:17amTim…. it’s a problem when you think this forum is to talk to the hand….ie yourself.But on a lighter note….
Report Post »