Johannesburg - The South African Dental Association (Sada) has dismissed a report by New Element claiming that dental X-ray radiation increased the risk of tumours.
The report, written by Deevra Norling, a freelance writer, on behalf of New Element, “exposed” the dangers of dental X-ray radiation and highlighted what patients could do to protect themselves.
“Studies on the incidence of brain tumours caused by dental radiation have been found to be unreliable and flawed,” said the dental association’s Dr Mehroon Khan.
She added that the report was biased in favour of a company that was trying to market their product.
Johann Ferreira, from New Element, has, however, stood by the report and insisted it was not just about marketing their product, but about raising awareness.
New Element has just launched Tru-Align, a device that is purported to minimise the risk of dental X-ray radiation by up to 75 percent.
The report said radiation risk was higher for children and pregnant women as it could affect the foetus and cause miscarriages.
Khan said any form of radiation for medical procedures posed some risk and that dentists took every precaution to minimise the risk.
“Dental X-rays are the least (risk) compared to other forms of scans and images.
“Regular radiation badges are worn by the dentists who are exposed to radiation on a daily basis, and no article has been written about a higher incidence of brain tumours among dentists,” said Khan.
She added that Tru-Align was being tested and had been found not to be suitable for all machine types.
Ferreira argued that his report was based on solid proof from reputable medical journals.
“If Sada is aware that there is some risk, however minimal, surely they would be interested in lowering it,” he said. - The Star