Dental Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Dental, including details on implants, health, hygiene, cosmetic, dentistry.

DNA damage and cellular death in oral mucosa cells of children who have undergone panoramic dental radiography.

Angelieri F, de Oliveira GR, Sannomiya EK, Ribeiro DA

Department of Orthodontics, São Paulo Metodista University (UMESP), São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Despite wide use as a diagnostic tool in medical and dental practice, radiography can induce cytotoxic effects and genetic damage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate DNA damage (micronucleus) and cellular death (pyknosis, karyolysis and karyorrhexis) in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells taken from healthy children following exposure to radiation during dental radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 17 children who had undergone panoramic dental radiography were included. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between micronucleated oral mucosa cells in children before and after exposure to radiation. On the other hand, radiation did cause other nuclear alterations closely related to cytotoxicity including karyorrhexis, pyknosis and karyolysis. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results indicate that panoramic dental radiography might not induce chromosomal damage, but may be cytotoxic. Overall, the results reinforce the importance of evaluating the health side effects of radiography and contribute to the micronucleus database, which will improve our understanding and practice of this methodology in children.

Published 9 May 2007 in Pediatr Radiol, 37(6): 561-5.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Dental Research Today. All Rights Reserved.