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


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Angelieri
Fernanda
F
Department of Orthodontics, São Paulo Metodista University (UMESP), São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil.
de Oliveira
Gabriela R
GR
Sannomiya
Eduardo K
EK
Ribeiro
Daniel A
DA
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002610:Cheek; D002648:Child; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric