Accidental Oral Injuries by Electric Toothbrush: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract

In recent years, electric toothbrushes have become widespread. However, injuries caused by electric toothbrushes have rarely been reported. We describe three cases of oral penetrating injuries caused by electric toothbrushes. Case 1 occurred in a disabled boy while brushing due to unexpected movement. In Case 2, a mother using an electric toothbrush had fallen when bumped by her child. Case 3 involved a man using the toothbrush while taking a bath, who slipped in the bathtub. Cases 1 and 3 were using sonic toothbrushes, and Case 2 was using an oscillating-rotating toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes can cause oral penetrating injuries and infections in the same manner as manual toothbrushes. Prevention of oral trauma requires familiarity with the form and function of electric toothbrushes. Some room for improvement remains in optimizing the form of electric toothbrushes.

Critical Analysis of Electric Toothbrushes: Implications for Oral Care and Recommendations for Specific User Groups

“…At the end of the study, the researchers calculated artificial wear on the participants' oral tissue. Surprisingly, this study revealed completely different results from Yamada et al (2020). The results showed that none of the groups using electric toothbrushes caused artificial oral wear.…”

“…Electric toothbrushes are often questioned because they are considered to be less safe than conventional toothbrushes. Firstly, Yamada et al (2020)'s study aimed to investigate oral penetration and infection caused by electric toothbrushes. Using the case study method, the researchers looked at three cases.…”

“…Finally, Ng's (2020) study aimed to investigate the damage of electric toothbrushes to teeth and gums. Unlike studies by Yamada et al (2020) and Cronin (1998), this is a secondary study based on literature. The researchers systematically reviewed electric toothbrush designs, materials and other applications.…”

Rare Penetrating Injury Caused By Tooth Brush In A 5 Year Old Child

“…Therefore, the recommendations are that a toothbrush should not be used to induce vomiting, nor should people walk or run with this device in their mouths, especially children. [6]Meanwhile, advising parents to be careful with their children's toothbrush is important as prevention of injuries from such commonly used object could be easily achieved [2] This paper presents a case report where a toothbrush traumatized the buccal soft tissues so severely that the brush got embedded inside the buccal mucosa.…”