The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging users of the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush—known as the Crest Spinbrush before 2009—to be aware of the risk associated with using these electric toothbrushes. Some users have reported parts of the battery-powered device popping off, leading to chipped or broken teeth, cuts to the mouth and gums, swallowing and choking on broken pieces, and injuries to the face and eyes. The Spinbrush line includes models for both adult and children’s use.
“It’s important that consumers know how to avoid the risks associated with using the Spinbrush,” said Shumaya Ali, MPH, a consumer safety officer at the FDA. “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.”
The FDA wants the public to be aware of potential injury while using the following Spinbrush models: Spinbrush ProClean, Spinbrush ProClean Recharge, Spinbrush Pro Whitening, Spinbrush SONIC, Spinbrush SONIC Recharge, Spinbrush Swirl, Spinbrush Classic Clean, Spinbrush For Kids, and Spinbrush Replacement Heads.
The FDA regulates toothbrushes—both manual and electric—as medical devices that are intended to help prevent tooth decay.
