Spinbrush Sonic Toothbrushes Recalled For Fire, Burn And Shock Hazards

Spinbrush Sonic Toothbrushes have been recalled for fire, burn, and shock hazards, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just announced.

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is recalling its Spinbrush® Rechargeable SONIC toothbrushes because the charging base may overheat with localized melting and sparking, which could lead to fire, shock, or burns. These risks increase with the product’s age. To date, Church & Dwight has received six consumer reports of overheating in the U.S. and one consumer report in Canada. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves select lots of Spinbrush® Rechargeable SONIC Toothbrushes with a lot number from either range DD9310 to 9365 or range DD0002 to 0122. The lot number appears on the bottom of the charging base and on the packaging. Products with lot numbers outside of these ranges are not included in this recall, neither are the Spinbrush battery-powered or Spinbrush® SONIC battery-operated toothbrushes that are not constructed with a charging base with an electric cord and plug.

The recalled Spinbrush® Rechargeable SONIC Toothbrushes were distributed between February 2010 and October 2011 in all U.S. states and in Canada.

The firm advises consumers in possession of the recalled Spinbrush® Rechargeable SONIC Toothbrushes to stop using them and return them to Church & Dwight for a full refund. Church & Dwight can be reached, toll-free, at 1.888.709.4100 from 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Monday through Friday. An automated service is available 24 hours daily and the firm can also be visited online at www.sonicrechargereturn.com for further information and to determine the products subject to this recall).

Earlier this year, we wrote that the FDA also issued a warning about serious injuries caused by the popular Spinbrush toothbrushes. The battery-powered device is constructed with a motorized handle that provides movement to a brush head for the removal of plaque and food debris.

The Spinbrush line of powered toothbrushes is sold as the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush; until 2009, the device was sold as the Crest Spinbrush. The Spinbrush line of toothbrushes is manufactured by Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Spinbrush refers to both the Arm & Hammer and Crest Spinbrush lines of powered toothbrushes for the purpose of the agency’s warning this year.

At the time of its notice, the FDA stated it was aware of reports of serious injuries and potential hazards associated with the use of the Spinbrush, including that while turned on, the brush head has either “popped off” or broken off in the user’s mouth or near the face, causing cuts to the mouth and gums, chipped or broken teeth, swallowing and choking on the broken pieces, and injuries to the face and eyes. When the unexpected release of any part of the powered toothbrush occurs, a potential for serious injury exists and this risk is greater for unattended children or adults who may need assistance while using the Spinbrush device.

The FDA also indicated that it issued a warning letter to Church & Dwight Co., Inc on May 16, 2011 for violations, including its failure to file Medical Device Reports for serious injuries within a reasonable timeframe. On December 22, 2011, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. issued a safety notice on the potential brush head breakage hazard and added “color-wear” bristles to newly manufactured brushes to provide consumers with a visual reminder to change the brush head every three months.

On January 25, 2012, the FDA posted Church & Dwight Co., Inc.’s. Class II recall of various models of their Spinbrush line of powered toothbrushes to help communicate the potential choking hazard if the Spinbrush is used beyond the recommended 3-month brush head life.