When people hear the word radiation, it’s natural to feel uneasy — whether it’s from CT scans, nuclear accidents, or even dental X-rays. But understanding what science actually shows helps us separate real risks from fear. X-rays are a form of ionising radiation, and at high doses they can increase the risk of cancer. The key question is: do dental X-rays, which are low-dose and very common, meaningfully increase the risk of brain tumours like meningioma?
Some older research suggested a possible link between frequent dental X-rays and a higher risk of meningioma — a usually benign brain tumour — especially in people who had X-rays repeatedly over many years or starting in childhood. One case-control study published over a decade ago found that individuals who recalled having bitewing X-rays regularly were about 1.4 to 1.9 times more likely to have meningioma, and those exposed to panoramic (“panorex”) X-rays before age 10 had up to almost 5 times the odds of meningioma, compared with people who did not report those exposures. However, those X-rays were taken many years ago when radiation doses were higher, and the study relied on people’s memories of past X-rays, which can be unreliable.
More comprehensive research paints a different picture. A large meta-analysis of seven case-control studies involving thousands of patients found no significant association between overall dental X-ray exposure and meningioma risk when all types of dental imaging were combined. Full-mouth panoramic X-rays in particular were not linked with increased risk, although in a small subset, bitewing X-rays showed a slight association. Overall, the combined evidence does not clearly show that dental X-rays cause brain tumours, especially with modern low-dose technology.
Another systematic review looking at dental X-ray risks concluded that at the low doses used today, there is no clear epidemiological evidence that a single dental X-ray causes cancer. The review did note that radiation has cumulative effects over time, meaning repeated exposures add up, and that children are more sensitive to radiation than adults — which is why unnecessary imaging should always be avoided.
A broader meta-analysis also reported that repeated dental X-rays might be associated with a modest increase in the risk of certain cancers such as thyroid cancer and meningioma. But these studies have limitations (including reliance on people’s memory of past X-rays, and lack of precise measurement of dose and age at exposure), and the absolute risk for any one person remains very small. Furthermore, dental radiation doses have dropped dramatically with modern digital X-ray machines and protective measures like lead aprons and thyroid collars that shield tissues from scatter radiation.
In India, dental professionals and organisations such as the Indian Dental Association emphasise radiation safety and justification of every X-ray. This means dentists are encouraged to take X-rays only when they are likely to provide important information that affects diagnosis or treatment, rather than as a routine at fixed intervals. The same principles apply here as in the rest of the world: use the lowest effective dose and avoid unnecessary imaging.
Modern dental X-ray equipment, especially digital sensors, uses significantly less radiation than older film-based systems — often a fraction of the dose and far below levels associated with meaningful cancer risk. Protective lead aprons and thyroid shields block most scatter radiation, and the very small amount that reaches the brain or other tissues is usually far lower than what we receive from natural background radiation in daily life.
To put it simply: dental X-rays today are designed to be safe and effective. The scientific evidence does not show that a single routine dental X-ray causes brain tumours. There may be a very slight increased risk with frequent or repeated exposures over many years, particularly if no protective measures are used, but this risk is tiny compared with the overall lifetime risk of cancer and far smaller than the benefit of diagnosing serious dental problems. Modern dental practice emphasises judicious use of X-rays — only when there is a clear clinical need — which protects patients without compromising quality of care.
Bottom line: Dental X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool that are very low in radiation. Current research does not show that they cause brain tumours in most people. When used carefully and only when medically necessary — especially in children — they are considered safe. Regular discussions with your dentist about why an X-ray is recommended and how much radiation it uses can help you make informed choices about your oral health.