Some Toothbrushes Bad for Teeth

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to beware of battery-powered electric toothbrushes with parts that can break off, chipping teeth or posing a choking hazard. The dangerous toothbrush is the Arm and Hammer Spinbrush, which the FDA says was sold as the Crest Spinbrush before 2009. “We’ve had reports in which parts of the toothbrush broke off during use and were released into the mouth with great speed, causing broken teeth and presenting a choking hazard,” an FDA consumer safety officer said.

The FDA cautions consumers not to use the brush if they see damage or loose bristles, and to call the manufacturer’s toll free number.

The FDA notes that the manufacturer, Church & Dwight Co., has (1) improved labeling, advising consumers to change the brush head every three months or sooner if the brush is worn or parts are loose; (2) added bristles that change color with wear to give consumers a clear indication when to replace the brush head; and (3) issued a safety notice about the Spinbrush in TV and print ads, on the Spinbrush website, and on its toll-free phone numbers.

A list of Spinbrush models which may potentially cause injury, the manufacturer’s toll free numbers, and more information about the Spinbrush, can be found on the FDA's website.