The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)is urging users of the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush—known as the CrestSpinbrush before 2009—to be aware of the risk associated with usingthese electric toothbrushes. Some users have reported parts of thebattery-powered device popping off, leading to chipped or broken teeth,cuts to the mouth and gums, swallowing and choking on broken pieces, andinjuries to the face and eyes. The Spinbrush line includes models forboth adult and children’s use.
“It’s important that consumers know how to avoid the risks associatedwith using the Spinbrush,” said Shumaya Ali, MPH, a consumer safetyofficer at the FDA. “We’ve had reports in which parts of the toothbrushbroke 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 usingthe following Spinbrush models: Spinbrush ProClean, Spinbrush ProCleanRecharge, Spinbrush Pro Whitening, Spinbrush SONIC, Spinbrush SONICRecharge, 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.