Products and appliances

Electric toothbrushes

Electric toothbrush

An electric toothbrush is an easy and effective way to get a sparkling white smile. But as with all electrical appliances, they do come with safety risks. 

The two main types of electric toothbrushes are oscillating/rotating (both use a spinning brush head) and sonic (using high-frequency vibrations). Rotating brushes are often the cheapest, and some oscillating/rotating models also use pulses to move the brush head backwards and forwards.  

Counter-oscillating (where different parts of the brush move in opposite directions simultaneously) and dual head (one head rotates while another brushes from side to side) models are also available. 

Most models now are rechargeable with built-in batteries charged either by a cradle or a USB cable to connect to a power source. Some cheaper models use replaceable batteries. 

Asterisk

Key points

  • If the charger is fitted with a plug, make sure it is a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse. 
  • Keep your toothbrush unplugged unless it needs to be charged. 
  • Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks. 
  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 

Buying an electric toothbrush

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the product may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure the charge base is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug. 
  • You will find lots of online reviews of electric toothbrushes but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers. 
  • Register your product [link to register page] so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using an electric toothbrush safely

  • Check the cord of your electric toothbrush charger regularly for any signs of damage. If you spot any damage, contact the manufacturer/retailer for a replacement. 
  • If your electric toothbrush is battery-powered, make sure you use the correct batteries and insert them according to instructions. 
  • If the electric toothbrush is dropped, check that there are no signs of damage which may affect the battery. 
  • Don’t submerge the charging station and cord in water, even if the product claims to be waterproof. 
  • If you notice an odd smell or any sparking, or any cracks or damage, stop using the toothbrush immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer. 
  • If your toothbrush uses a charger, regularly check the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch.  
  • An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the product. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD adapter between the appliance and the socket-outlet.. 

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer. 
  • Register your electric toothbrush with the manufacturer.  
  • Charge a toothbrush only with the adapter provided. 
  • Dispose of the batteries and old devices correctly. 

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online. 
  • Submerging the charging unit or cable in water. 
  • Leaving an electric toothbrush plugged in after use. 
  • Using an electric toothbrush if you notice any damage or sparks. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

A woman cleaning her electric toothbrush

Additional info

The average lifespan of an electric toothbrush is about three to five years, depending on the model and usage. As with any product, it's important to consider the environmental impact of electric toothbrushes. Some manufacturers offer recycling programs for old toothbrushes and brush heads, and eco-friendly electric toothbrushes made from sustainable materials are becoming more common. 

Woman using a washing machine

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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