title: Cytogenetic biomonitoring in oral mucosa cells following dental X-ray.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the past decades, X-rays have been used widely for diagnosis in dentistry. However, it is well known that ionizing radiation causes damage (including single- and double-strand breaks) to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and DNA-protein crosslinks, and induces cellular death. Therefore, outlining the cytogenetic effects induced by X-ray is necessary to identify the degree of cancer risk and minimize potential risks to patients and clinicians. To date, a variety of assays have been proposed in cytogenetic biomonitoring studies, including those that assess metaphase chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges, and micronucleus and single-cell gel (comet) assay.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cytogenetic biomonitoring studies focusing on oral mucosa cells in individuals exposed to dental X-ray were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dental X-ray can induce DNA damage and cytotoxicity in oral mucosa cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results will contribute to a better understanding of X-ray-induced effects upon the cellular system in individuals continually exposed to known genotoxic/cytotoxic agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. daribeiro@unifesp.br
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
mesh_terms: D016923:Cell Death / Q000528:radiation effects; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000528:radiation effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000528:radiation effects; D003043:Cocarcinogenesis; D020732:Cytogenetic Analysis; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors