title: Electric toothbrushes induce electric current in fixed dental appliances by creating magnetic fields.
abstract: Magnetic fields can represent a health problem, especially low frequency electromagnetic fields sometimes induced by electric current in metallic objects worn or used in or on the body (as opposed to high frequency electromagnetic fields that produce heat). Electric toothbrushes are widely used because of their convenience, but the electric motors that power them may produce electromagnetic waves. In this study, we showed that electric toothbrushes generate low frequency (1-2000 Hz) magnetic fields and induce electric current in dental appliances (e. g. orthodontic and prosthetic appliances and dental implants). Current induced by electric toothbrushes might be dependent on the quantity and types of metals used, and the shape of the appliances. Furthermore, these induced currents in dental appliances could impact upon human oral health, producing pain and discomfort.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Nippon Dental University School of Dentistry at Niigata, 1-8 Hamaura-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata city, Niigata, Japan. tkameda@ngt.ndu.ac.jp
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kameda
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ohkuma
authors.forename: Nozomu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ishii
authors.forename: Natsuki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sano
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ogura
authors.forename: Kazuto
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Terada
mesh_terms: D001031:Apatites / Q000737:chemistry; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D003442:Crowns; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D015921:Dental Implants; D017266:Dental Prosthesis; D003829:Denture, Partial; D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies; D004560:Electricity; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D004867:Equipment Design; D006047:Gold Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D007284:Inlays; D060526:Magnetic Fields; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D018704:Orthodontic Retainers; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D010165:Palladium / Q000737:chemistry; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D012834:Silver / Q000737:chemistry; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D001031:Apatites; D003188:Composite Resins; D003722:Dental Alloys; D015921:Dental Implants; D006047:Gold Alloys; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids; D013193:Stainless Steel; C020946:triethylene glycol dimethacrylate; D012834:Silver; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D010165:Palladium