At InTouch, we inspect a wide range of personal items on a daily basis. This includes items used in the bathroom like toothbrushes. Toothbrushes are held to a very high standard as they come in contact with your body. Dangerous or hazardus materials used in such items can cause bodily harm.
Some of standards we need to be aware of in the development of toothbrush manufacturing inspection programs are:
FDA Standards
All the components and the colourants of a manual toothbrush must comply with the FDA Standard. Manual toothbrush bristles will not have any sharp or jagged edges. An inspection test must be performed on the components of the toothbrush to unsure the toothbrush is safe for oral use.
ANSI 119 – 2008
All manual toothbrushes must comply while being manufactured with the ANSI 119 -2008 specifications. One of the various test methods listed in the ANSI specifications is the Bristle Stiffness Test. The bristle stiffness test is measured using a bristle stiffness index scale. The stiffness of the bristle is rated on a scale of 1-10. A manual toothbrush with a number greater than 6 on the index scale will not be accepted.
ISO 11609:1995 Abrasive Test
The Abrasive Test is used to monitor the abrasion levels from the bristles of a manual toothbrush. This test must be conducted using a toothbrush brushing machine and a qualified lab technician.
ISO/TR 14569-1:2007
The ISO/TR 14569-1:2007 is used to test the resistance to wear by tooth brushing.
In order to receive the American Dental Association marking listed on a manual toothbrush, you must submit evidence of all the information listed above in the manual toothbrush section to the ADA. They will perform a series of quality control procedures, and grant you acceptance into the ADA.
Powered Toothbrush Inspection and Quality Control Standards
ANSI 120 – 2009
Powered toothbrushes must comply with the ANSI 120-2009 specification.
FDA Standards
All the components and the colourants of a powered toothbrush must comply with the FDA Standard. Powered toothbrush bristles cannot contain sharp or jagged edges. An inspection test must be performed on the components of the toothbrush to unsure the toothbrush is safe for oral use.
ISO 20127:200
The ISO 20127:200 is used to inspect the physical conditions of powered toothbrushes.
ISO 11609:1995 Abrasive Test
The Abrasive Test is used to monitor the abrasion levels from the bristles of a powered toothbrush. This test must be conducted using a toothbrush brushing machine and a qualified lab technician.
In order to receive the American Dental Association marking listed on a powered toothbrush, you must submit evidence of all the information listed in the powered toothbrush section to the ADA as well as evidence of meeting the requirements listed in the Clinical Protocol Guidelines. ADA will perform a series of quality control procedures, and grant you acceptance into the ADA.
