title: DNA damage and cellular death in oral mucosa cells of children who have undergone panoramic dental radiography.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Orthodontics, São Paulo Metodista University (UMESP), São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Fernanda
authors: F
authors: Angelieri
authors: Gabriela R
authors: GR
authors: de Oliveira
authors: Eduardo K
authors: EK
authors: Sannomiya
authors: Daniel A
authors: DA
authors: Ribeiro
mesh_terms: 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