FDA Warns of Toothbrush Dangers

Today the FDA released a Consumer Update regarding the hazards of certain electric toothbrushes. According to the FDA Update, certain electric toothbrushes can chip teeth and cause choking.

The devices at issue in the Update are the battery-powered Arm & Hammer Spinbrush--or the Crest Spinbrush, as it was called before 2009.

Injuries reported from using the Spinbrush powered toothbrush include:

• chipped or broken teeth
• cuts to the mouth and gums
• swallowing and choking on broken pieces
• injury to the face and eyes

The FDA issued an alert to the public about the potnetial for injury with the following models of Spinbrush:

• Spinbrush ProClean
• Spinbrush ProClean Recharge
• Spinbrush Pro Whitening
• Spinbrush SONIC
• Spinbrush SONIC Recharge
• Spinbrush Swirl
• Spinbrush Classic Clean
• Spinbrush for Kids
• Spinbrush Replacement Heads

The FDA reports that "[i]n some cases, the brush head popped off to expose metal pieces underneath that can--and have--poked individuals in the cheek and areas near the eyes, causing injuries." Problems with the Spinbrush for Kids have also been reported to the FDA, including injuries such as cut lips, burns from the batteries, and bristles falling off and lodging in a child's tonsils.

The FDA warns consumers to replace their brush head after 3 months of use, or if the brush is damaged, or if parts become loose. Extended usage, loose parts or excessive wear could lead to brush head breakage, generation of small parts and possible choking hazard.