Dental FAQ

Q. How often should I come in for dental check-ups?
A. Everyone thinks that they should come in for dental check-ups every six months. That's what they've always done and that's usually what your dental insurance will cover. However, there is no scientific or rational basis for the six month frequency. In fact, the six months checkup is thought to be attributed to an ad that ran during the 1920's to 1950's radio show, Amos 'n Andy. After the show's opening theme, there was a one-minute Pepsodent commercial that concluded with the slogan "Use Pepsodent Twice A Day -- See Your Dentist At Least Twice A Year." For some people, dental visits twice a year are appropriate for their health. Others may require treatment more or less often. We will discuss the optimum frequency for you after we've examined your particular needs.

Comic courtesy of theoatmeal.com - This Kitsilano dentist does not endorse this behaviour.

Comic courtesy of theoatmeal.com - This Kitsilano dentist does not endorse this behaviour.

Q. How much radiation is there in dental x-rays?
A. There's certainly much less radiation from dental x-rays than from medical x-rays. The table below illustrates the relative exposures to dental and medical radiographs as compared to sitting outside on a sunny, summer's day.

Dental and Medical Radiation versus Background Radiation

Exposure	Radiation Dose (uSv)	Equivalent Background Exposure
Bitewing	1 -4	1/2 day
Complete series (18 films)	30 - 170	4 - 21 days
Panoramic	3 - 11	1/2 - 1 day
Chest x-ray	100	10 - 12 days
Mammogram	700	88 days
CAT scan	8000	1000 days

Data from: 2008 brochure from Orbit Oral/Maxillofacial Imaging & Diagnostic Services (Vancouver, Canada) via the following sources - Health Protection Agency (www.hpa.org.uk), International Commission on Radiological Protection (www.icrp.org), ACR/RSNA (www.radiologyinfo.org), X-rays in Dentistry. JADA, 1982, 104(4), 438.

Q. At what age should my child first see a dentist?
A. Take your child to see a dentist once the baby's first tooth comes in, or by the first birthday. If you notice white or brown spots on the teeth, call us. At your baby’s first visit, we will give you tips on cleaning your child’s teeth. If there are any problems, we can catch them early.

Q. What do dreams involving teeth mean?
A. Read this link for some interpretations.

Please contact us if you have a question or concern that is not addressed in this section.

Kitsilano dentist Last Updated: 08 January 2025