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Is It Safe to Use an Electric Toothbrush on Crowns?

In a word, yes, it is safe to use an electric toothbrush on crowns. The American Dental Association advocates using any toothbrush -- manual or electric -- on crowns as long as it carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The ADA suggests using electric (or battery-powered) toothbrushes that have met the safety requirements of a respected safety group such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Toothbrush manufacturers must provide evidence to UL, Inc., from at least one clinical trial to show the product is safe for oral tissues and dental restorations -- and that includes crowns.

  1. No Evidence of Erosion

    • Most dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush because the bristles rotate in different directions simultaneously, allowing for more intensive cleaning action. The number of strokes generated by hand is 300 per minute, while an electric toothbrush generates 30,000 per minute. In a study conducted in 1997 at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, and in another one conducted in 2008 at the Pacific Dental Institute in Portland, Ore., dentists found that electric toothbrushes caused no breakdown or wear in crowns.

    Kinds of Crowns

    • The durability of a crown depends on its material. All-porcelain crowns are the least durable. Gold is the most durable, but the least desirable for cosmetic reasons. Porcelain fused to metal is considered strong, durable and cosmetically desirable.

    Avoid Crown Problems

    • If you are concerned about crown problems, avoid sticky, chewy foods (chewing gum, caramel) that could pull the crown off. Avoid hard, crunchy foods that could dislodge or break the crown. When flossing, don't lift the dental floss up, which could lift off a crown. Pull it out from the side. But if your crown has been put on properly, none of this should be a concern.

    If You Suspect a Problem

    • Don't hesitate to contact your dentist if you suspect you are losing a crown.

    Cleaning Is the Key

    • The American Dental Association recommends regular brushing -- whether you opt for a manual, electric or sonic toothbrush -- for all of your teeth, crowned or not.

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