Crest, Arm & Hammer Spinbrush Toothbrush Warning issued by FDA

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According to a new warning issued by federal health regulators, users of Spinbrush powered toothbrushes sold by Crest or Arm & Hammer have suffered broken teeth, cuts and other injuries after the rotating head broke off while spinning inside a consumer’s mouth. 

The FDA issued a consumer safety alert on February 16, warning that there have been reports that the brush head of the automatic toothbrushes have popped off in their mouths or near their faces.

Marketed as a “Spinbrush”, the heads have caused cuts to mouths and gums, broken and chipped teeth, eye and face injuries and there is a risk of swallowing and choking on the broken pieces.

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The Spinbrush was sold by Crest until 2009. It is now manufactured by Church & Dwight Co. Inc. and sold under the Arm & Hammer label. According to the FDA, inspectors warned the company last May after it failed to report some of the incidents in a timely manner.

In January, the company issued a consumer safety notice, warning consumers about the risk of the electric toothbrush breaking and recommending that the head be replaced every three months. The FDA classified the action as a Class 2 recall.

The Spinbrush recall affects 22.783 million units, including the following models:

  • Spinbrush Pro Clean Soft
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean Medium
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean Replacement Head Soft 2 ct
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean Replacement Head Medium 2 ct
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean 3 ct BJs
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean 2 ct
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean Extra Soft 2 ct
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean Combo Pack
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean Value Pack
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean Soft Value Pack
  • Total Spinbrush Pro Clean
  • Spinbrush Pro Recharge
  • Spinbrush Pro Clean Recharge
  • Total Spinbrush

Consumers are not required to return the Spinbrush, but are warned that the heads can break and should be replaced every three months. The manufacturer has altered the design to include color-changing bristles to remind users when the head should be replaced.

The FDA recommends that consumers not use the Spinbrush if bristles are loose and damaged, if the connections feel loose or if the headpiece easily detaches from the handle. The FDA also notes that the brush head for the Kid’s Spinbrush is not replaceable and these should be discarded if the head is loose or bristles are damaged.

Consumers with questions can contact Church & Dwight by calling (800) 353-3384 or (800) 561-0752.

Tags: Arm & Hammer, Crest, Spinbrush, Toothbrush

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18 Comments

GL
I have used the Spinbrush for a very long time, seemingly, as soon as they became available. I have never had any issue with any of these electric toothbrushes nor with any of my teeth resulting from the Spinbrush and cannot imagine how anyone can have an issue unless they are improperly using the electric toothbrush. You do not have to press hard and in fact, all you have to do is just touch your teeth. I was doing great with it until I developed a problem totally unrelated to the electric toothbrush, called “Dry Mouth” that was caused by a medication and now have dentures.
Orray
I had a Spinbrush that I used for quite a few years but last year I couldn’t find the replacement heads for it. I bought replacement heads at Walmart and when I went to change it found out they were different. Bought the new style which fit the replacement heads and it worked fine at first but I’ve been having problems with the batteries losing power quickly. Even to the point that the batteries drain even when the toothbrush isn’t on. Not sure what the problem is or if it’s a hack between the manufacturer of the spinbrush and the battery manufacturers to get you to buy more batteries! Whatever the issue I won’t be using it anymore.
Jeanine
I bought one of these spin brushes 2 weeks ago and it already quit working. I tried to replace the batteries but it is just plain dead. I will NEVER purchase from this company again!
Marcelle
I have used the Spinbrush Pro for years with no issue. However, I have had to purchase the newer version TWICE in 4 months! They both only last 2 months before they stop working. I will not be purchasing a 3rd one.
Vicki
I personally love the spin brush pro clean whiten. The only problem I’m having is getting the replacement heads. I appreciate the fact that I can change the 2 AA batteries easily, no need to buy rechargeable batteries or charging unit, which I believe keeps the initial cost down (12$ vs 30-40$ for other power dental hygiene tools). I’ve never had problems with the bristles becoming loose or any part of the (many ) heads breaking. I do change the head monthly though and am carefull not to drop the unit when handling. As for water or saliva running down the handle, well that happens with regular toothbrushes too.
William
These used to be great toothbrushes. I had been using the rechargeable brushes for years. They worked well, were inexpensive, and lasted. My dentist even commented on them. Now they are complete junk! You can’t even find the rechargeable ones anymore. The battery powered toothbrushes eat batteries. You are changing batteries weekly even with good quality batteries. The toothbrushes themselves have a lack of power after only a little use. It is like the motor wears down. These are complete garbage. I unfortunately am switching to another brand and would suggest you look at others as well. Arm & Hammer has ruined this product for the sake of higher profits I am sure.
Mike
I used the Crest version of the Spinbrush for years and loved it. When it was bought out by Arm and Hammer the toothbrush took a serious turn for the worse. I’ve had two Arm and Hammer version, and on both the on-off switch failed when after a few uses it cannot remain in the on position. Also, the motor alternates speeds going from fast to slow to off. Whatever Arm and Hammer did ruined a great product.
Pam
Well, I hate to read so many negative comments! I used to use nothing but expensive electric toothbrush’s. Then one day mine stopped working and I thought I’d try the Spinbrush until I could buy another electric unit. That has been at least 13 years ago and I still swear by my Spinbrush. I’ve never had a problem, but then again I change the head regularly. My hygienist and dentist notices I hardly have any plaque on my visits. So I think I will stick with my Spinbrush.
Bonnie
I keep a spin brush in every BR in my house, my locker at work, my car. I used to LOVE them. THEY. ARE. AWFUL. NOW! Wish I could find one that brushes the Same way it used to. The motor works like an electric gnat now 😞
Marsha
I have used the spinbrush for many years. Recently I have noticed a few changes in the newer spinbrush. I don’t know exactly what changes were made but it doesn’t spin as well and it doesn’t clean my teeth as well as it used to. I thought perhaps it was just one faulty brush so I bought another one and I still get the same results. It’s just not spinning the way the older version spin brushes did
Brenda
I have bought and bought the arm and hammer spin brush and have had nothing but problems as soon as the bristles of the tooth brush gets tooth paste, water or saliva on the bristles it runs down the opening and gets the inside wet causing the brush to quit working properly. I always dry it after l brush my teeth take it apart turn it upside down to let any left over moisture dry it out but nothing works it just doesn’t work right and doesn’t do a good job brushing your teeth.
David
When brushing my teeth with the Arm & Hammer spin brush after 30 seconds saliva runs down the center shaft and drip’s down the handle causing to have to stop and clean the handle (body of spin brush) therefore not knowing when the 2 min alert to end brushing. Thank you
Tara
I usually buy spin brush for my special needs child. The last 4 or 5 I have purchased barely spin. Once you touch the spinning head to the teeth it stops spinning. I have tried changing the batteries and still the issue is there! The price is decent but not for so many of these tooth brushes to NOT FUNCTION! I have given up on this product and will NOT be wasting anymore money purchasing them!
James
I been using the spinbrush tooth brush for years never had no problems it’s better than the more expensive ones and them things they call sonic toothbrushes and now for some strange reason I can not get any. on ebay there silly money.
Ann
Arm & Hammer Kids Spinbrush -Paw Patrol is the one we have. I noticed small dark specks at the holes on the back of head & neck of toothbrush. I pop off the spinning part of the brush and reveal some type of metal looking gray erosion. The batteries are encased separately & have no signs of erosion. This worries me because that foreign substance that is underneath is the part that enters my little ones mouth. I wish I could get the substance tested but don’t know how or where.
Ginger
I have been using the Arm & Hammer electric Spinbrush for many years. My children also use the spinbrush and none of us have had any problems with them. They are great for the money they cost. No cuts or chiped teeth at all. Best electric toothbrush for the price I’ve ever had.
Nancy
i have used a spin toothbrush this year and before i started using it my teeth were fine now ive got fillings that has came out and constant mouth pain i have no insurance to go get my teeth looked at and i have no income. Half of one of my tooth has broken i know after long periods of time a filling can come out and that can cause tooth decaying.
Christine
I purchased 4 of these Arm & Hammer Spinbrushes. Just yesterday I was at the dentist getting my ‘chippedbroken tooth fixed. I couldn’t figure out how it happened. Now I am most certain it is from this toothbrush!

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