Feb. 17, 2012 -- The Spinbrush electric toothbrush -- heavily marketed to children -- can cause serious face and mouth injuries, the FDA warns.

More than 39 million of the toothbrushes have been sold under various brand names. But all are called "Spinbrush." Those currently on sale carry the Arm & Hammer brand. Those made until 2009 carried the Crest brand.

"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," says Shumaya Ali, MPH, a consumer safety officer at the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA has received reports of serious injuries from the Spinbrush. According to these reports:

    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, there is a potential for serious injury. This risk is higher for unattended children or adults who may need assistance while using this device.

The electric toothbrushes aren't being recalled. Instead, the company that makes the products -- Church & Dwight Co. Inc. of Princeton, N.J. -- is telling consumers how to avoid injury.

This isn't the first time the Spinbrush has come to FDA attention. In May 2011, the FDA rebuked Church & Dwight for failing to tell the federal agency about injury reports it had received. And when the company did report injuries, crucial information was left out.

On Jan. 25 of this year, the company issued a "class II recall." This did not mean that consumers could return the products. Instead, the company issued safe-use instructions in television and print ads and on its web site.

The company warning states: "Please remember to replace your brush head after three months of use, or if the brush is damaged or if parts become loose. Extended usage, loose parts, or excessive wear could lead to brush head breakage, generation of small parts, and possible choking hazard. Inspect the brush for loose parts before use."

The FDA recommends that consumers who have a Spinbrush:

    Inspect the Spinbrush for any damage or loose brush bristles prior to using. If you notice any damage or loose brush bristles, DO NOT USE.
    Check to be sure that the headpiece is connected properly to the handle of the brush and test your brush outside of the mouth prior to using. If you notice the connection feels loose or the headpiece easily detaches from the handle, DO NOT USE.
    Supervise children and adults who need assistance when using the Spinbrush.
    Do not bite down on the brush head while brushing.
    Follow the instructions and recommended replacement guidelines included with the Spinbrush.
    NOTE: The brush head for the Kid’s Spinbrush is not replaceable. If you notice any damage or loose brush bristles, DO NOT USE.


Warning: Electric Toothbrushes

Here's the full list of the products:

    Spinbrush Pro Clean Soft (6687800078)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean Medium (6687800079)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean Replacement Head Soft 2 ct (6687800080)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean Replacement Head Medium 2 ct (6687800081)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean 3 ct BJs (6687800145)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean 2 ct (6687800425)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean Extra Soft 2 ct (6687800433)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean Combo Pack (6687800461)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean Value Pack (6687800466)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean Soft Value Pack (6687800709)
    Total Spinbrush Pro Clean
    Spinbrush Pro Recharge
    Spinbrush Pro Clean Recharge (6687800160)
    Total Spinbrush
    Spinbrush Pro Whitening Soft (6687800191)
    Spinbrush Pro Whitening Replacement Head Soft 2 ct (6687800192)
    Spinbrush Pro Whitening Medium (6687800193)
    Spinbrush Pro Whitening Replacement Head Medium 2 ct (6687800194)
    Spinbrush Pro Clean Recharge