what X-rays of my teeth at the dentist show and why it has to be radioactive and what the heavy apron does
In: Physics
Radiation by itself is not what you think it is. That term does not automatically imply that something is bombarding you with harmful rays that screw up your genetics and give you cancer.
The dangerous type of radiation you’re thinking of that does harm to living organisms is called ionizing radiation. But there is another type: non-ionizing radiation. This type of radiation is either far less or not harmful to us at all.
Radiation in this context refers to wavelengths along the [electromagnetic spectrum](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_spectrum#/media/File%3AEM_Spectrum_Properties_edit.svg)
See on the chart where it says “visible” ? That refers to visible light. Everything you see, you only see because radiating wavelengths are emitted from sources of light, which then bounce off of objects and enter your eyeballs. You are literally being bombarded with radiation at all times. Notice how radiowaves, X-rays, and even the often villified gamma rays are on there too.
All of these are examples of radiation. What makes them different are the wavelengths at which they radiate. Generally speaking, the shorter the wavelength, the more ionizing and harmful they are.
Now X-Rays are in fact a type of ionizing radiation. And although they’re right behind gamma rays, they’re not nearly as dangerous as gamma rays. Short, infrequent exposure to X-rays won’t really cause you any harm. Such as getting your bi-yearly dental visits. Constant exposure to X-rays, however, such as being the dentist taking the pictures literally every day, can cause you harm. So they leave the room.
The apron you wear is lined with lead, a metal that is very effective at blocking and reflecting ionizing radiation, preventing your body from absorbing any. Admittedly, I’m not sure how dangerous it would be for you to get your teeth X-ray’d without the apron, but it’s just better to be safe than sorry anyway.
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