Two models of the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush (Courtesy of the US Food & Drug Administration)

Buyer, beware the toothbrush that can break your teeth

18 Feb 2012 03:50:00 GMT

Good news, worriers -- there's something new to fear! The Food and Drug Administration released a Consumer Safety Update this week, noting that the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush electric toothbrush could fly apart, chip your teeth or, as MSNBC's 'Vitals' put it, "generally wreak havoc with your face." The FDA issued the warning after a number of Spinbrush-related injuries were reported. "Electric toothbrushes can be very effective in removing dental plaque," said the chief of the FDA's dental devices branch. "At the same time, it's important to ... look out for any malfunctions of the toothbrush that might cause an injury." Yeah, we might just take our chances with gingivitis.

Share
146

Has your toothbrush ever malfunctioned?

36Comments

Newest

Feb 20, 2012 8:23AM

Was waiting for SNL to do a skit on these when they first came to market, But we had to all wait for the FDA years after to

Previous replies

kudos bear

Feb 20, 2012 5:08AM

While I agree that having them made in overworked factories overseas attributes to its fair share of issues, lets not get detached from the real problem, Planned Obsolescence. Which in short means that products are made cheaper, and are made to break faster in order to get people to buy more of that product. For example, 5 blade razors, sound nifty don't they "less irritation", and "faster smoother shave" are what Gellete tells us on TV. Funny thing about those razors, not only do they offer s smother shave (debatable),but the heads constantly snap off at the swivel, and I found that having 5 blades instead of 3 leads to more clogs that eventually can't be smacked out, Causing me to have to switch to a new razor long before the blade wares down. So you figure, if I go through twice or even three times as many razors, and those razors are made cheaper, this would mean the companies involved have found a way to greater increase their profits and profit margins. Next time something breaks "to soon" It may have been intentional from the start.

Previous replies

Smiley10

Feb 19, 2012 7:01PM

As a dental hygienist, I'll give a little information here. Manual toothbrushes are equally effective to powered toothbrushes. It's a time and frequency thing. If you brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes and floss regularly you remove maximum plaque. Companies try to sell these products creating the hype that you can brush better in less time, not true. Now I will say that some of the powered brushes that have 2 minute timers are definitely a plus for those who cannot keep track, and they are exceptional for those who have dexterity issues in their hands and wrists, but if your just letting it sit on your teeth and not really moving it around, it's definitely not doing it's job. Regardless, whatever your toothbrush preference may be, use it correctly and your good. Oh and always use a soft bristle brush, medium and hard are best used for house cleaing!

Previous replies

calitxs

Feb 19, 2012 5:08PM

I am with you fellow americans, bring jobs back to America (Made in the USA), and I am not fabricating on this statement. I don't know how many times I am having to stand in the customer

service lines at retail stores to return items that fall apart, stop working, or just plan don't work at

all. BTW, a simple soft tooth brush is sufficient enough for a child to brush their teeth. Electric

brushes aren't good for their gums in the first place. It's teaching a child to be LAAAZZZZYYY.

Previous replies

bananasfun

Feb 19, 2012 4:48PM

This just shows how lazy Americans have gotten....... relaying on electric toothbrushes instead of the normal (and less dangerous) usual toothbrush

Previous replies

katbee

Feb 19, 2012 4:18PM

This is how you do it. You take the proper size brush (no power involved) and BRUSH YOUR TEETH!

Previous replies

Katempting

Feb 19, 2012 3:34PM

Remedy

put your teeth in a glass of water at night. lol I'm kidding, I'm kidding.

Previous replies

♥♥♥ TallConnect.Com ♥♥♥ Tall People Dating Site

Feb 19, 2012 1:26PM

The FDA seems to have a whole new purpose lately. Soda is bad, salt is bad, kids can't eat turkey sandwiches packed by mom but must have chicken nuggets so says the "food inspector" at school. What the blue devil is MSNBC and these other people thinking? Bad drugs that get passed until they kill a bunch of people but we are heavy after soda and salt. I think this administration and the people they appoint are trying to look like camelot and are coming off like a bad fairy tale, maybe the witch from Hansel and Gretal won after all.