The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) as part of its mandate to protect Public Health and Safety is expanding its regulatory frontiers to cover the regulation of toothbrush in the country due to potential health hazards associated with its use.
In a press statement issued by the Authority, the regulation of toothbrush as a medical device commences effective 1st September, 2021.
The FDA as part of the process engaged key stakeholders such as Ghana Standards Authority, the Ghana Dental Association, Importers and Wholesalers of toothbrushes, Market Authorisation Holders as well as the consuming public.
“The Ghana Standard, GS 254:2020 2nd Edition, Dentistry-Specification for manual Toothbrushes and ISO 20127:2020 2nd Edition, Dentistry-Physical properties or powered toothbrushes would be used as references.” The statement stated
According to the Authority, documented evidence indicates that toothbrushes pose health risks to users. Some of the health risks include: wrong texture choice for tufts which may damage the gum; poorly fastened bristles which can dislodge during brushing causing choking hazard; parts of powered toothbrush breaking off in the mouth during use and causing tooth breakage; Powered toothbrushes causing fires, shocks, burns and even exploding.
“Currently, United States of America, Canada, Australia and Nigeria are among the few countries that are regulating toothbrushes.” FDA added