A new research has found a strong link between dental X-rays and thyroid cancer.

The scientists said that the risk of having thyroid cancer increased with repeated exposure to dental X-rays.

The researchers from Brighton, Cambridge and Kuwait analyzed 313 cancer sufferers and discovered that the chances of developing cancer rose with increasing numbers of dental X-rays.

Dr. Anjum Memon, of the Brighton and Sussex Medical School said, "The public health and clinical implications of these findings are particularly relevant in the light of increases in the incidence of thyroid cancer in many countries over the past 30 years."

But, Dr Memon added that the increasing use of sensitive diagnostic techniques does not necessarily account for the entire increase and that other causes warrant investigation.

The doctor also said that patients can protect themselves by wearing lightweight lead or bibs when being X-rayed. (With Inputs from Agencies)