"How do dental X-rays compare to other sources of radiation?"

We are exposed to radiation every day from various sources, such as frequent airplane travel and high altitudes, minerals in the soil, and appliances in our homes (like smoke detectors and television screens).

Source
 Estimated Exposure (mSV*)
Dental radiographs x

Bitewings (4 films)
Full-mouth series (about 19 films)

  

0.038
0.150

Medical radiographs x

Lower GI series
Upper GI series
Chest

 

4.060
2.440
0.080

Average radiation from outer space In Denver, CO (per year) 0.510
Average radiation in the U.S. from Natural sources (per year) 3.000

Source: Adapted from Frederiksen NL. X-Rays: What is the Risk? Texas Dental Journal. 1995;112(2):68-72.

*A millisievert (mSV) is a unit of measure that allows for some comparison between radiation sources that expose the entire body (such as natural background radiation) and those that only expose a portion of the body (such as radiographs).