Toothbrush May Do More Than Clean Your Teeth; It Might Knock Them Out

Add to the list of things you have to worry about – your own toothbrush. Yes, that handy-dandy little device that you’ve been taught from childhood to use after every meal and snack could be dangerous to your health.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that a certain electric toothbrush could break up during use and sends pieces of it flying around your mouth, chipping your teeth, and potentially flying into your eyes and face or getting stuck in your throat. Isn’t that a great way to start the day?

Spinbrush Problem

The FDA says that the battery-powered Arm & Hammer Spinbrush and the Crest Spinbrush (the same model as the Arm & Hammer as it was called before 2009) should be pulled from use immediately.

The FDA has received a number reports in which parts of the toothbrush broke off during use and were sent shooting into the users’ mouth causing broken teeth and presenting a choking hazard, as well as cuts to the mouth and gum.  They’ve also received reports of the parts cutting the facial area. The FDA is involved because, surprisingly, toothbrushes are considered medical devices.

Among the various iterations of the Spinbrush products the FDA is concerned about are:

Spinbrush ProClean

Spinbrush ProClean Recharge

Spinbrush Pro Whitening

Spinbrush SONIC

Spinbrush SONIC Recharge

Spinbrush Swirl

Spinbrush Classic Clean

Spinbrush For Kids

Spinbrush Replacement Heads

Action Taken

In addition to the brush breaking apart and/or the brush head flying off, there have been reports that metal pieces underneath the brush head could become dislodged and fly off.

The toothbrushes are made by Church & Dwight Co. Inc. The company is already working with the FDA by improving the labeling warning consumers to change the brush head every three months or sooner if the brush is worn or parts are loose; added bristles that change color with wear to give consumers a visual reminder of when to replace the brush head; and issued a safety notice about Spinbrush in television and print ads.

Consumers are also being asked to check their toothbrush for damage or wear. A telephone number, 1-800-352-3384, can be called to report a problem.

More information about the problem is available on the FDA’s website at www.fda.gov.

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