Very O.T. -- here come class action toothbrush lawsuits (?)
April 12, 1999
Toothbrush Makers, ADA Sued
Filed at 11:18 p.m. EDT
By The Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) -- A lawsuit has been filed against toothbrush makers for
failing to warn adequately people about the possible dangers of the brushing.
The lawsuit, filed against several toothbrush manufacturers and the American
Dental Association, seeks damages on behalf of anyone who suffers from
toothbrush abrasion.
''This is an important health-care issue ... and an easily solvable problem that
probably should never have gotten out of hand,'' attorney Michael Applebaum
said Monday.
Applebaum represents a suburban Chicago man, Mark Trimarco, who says
he suffers from ''toothbrush abrasion,'' which causes receding gums and
sensitive teeth.
He said dentists have known about toothbrush abrasion for about 50 years.
The suit, filed last week, demands that toothbrushes come with warning
labels and instructions.
The ADA said toothbrush abrasion is associated with a number of factors in
addition to improper brushing, including eating acidic foods, consumption of
citrus fruit drinks and carbonated beverages.
The ADA recommends gentle brushing and a toothbrush with soft, polished
bristles.
''If a toothbrush is used properly, toothbrush abrasion is not an issue,'' ADA
president S. Timothy Rose said in a statement.
Copyright 1999 The New York Times Company |
