Is Your Electric Toothbrush Buzzing When Charging?

If you've awoken to hear your electric toothbrush buzzing, don't worry. This problem has been encountered many numerous electric toothbrush owners, across a range of different brands. The cause isn't always the same.

We'll be taking you through a look at what can cause the buzzing sound, and when you need to start considering it as a warning for replacement.

Possible Causes of Electric Toothbrush Buzzing

It's Probably the Actuator Screw

If your electric toothbrush has suddenly started making a buzzing sound when it is in its charger, then it's most likely that the actuator screw on the motor needs tightening.

Now, this isn't something that you'll want to do at home, and it doesn't affect the performance of your toothbrush. Unfortunately, you'll need to take on the job of dismantling your electric toothbrush completely or learn to live with the sound.

Returning the toothbrush to its repair agent for a swap-out is a possibility if you're still within the warranty period. There are certain electric toothbrushes that make getting to the actuator screw quite easy, but this is rare. Check with your manufacturer using their website or service manual to confirm whether or not this is possible. If it is, it'll normally fix the buzzing sound immediately.

Faulty Electronics

While not as common as a loose actuator screw, faulty electronics can trigger a string of malfunctions. Again, while unlikely, water damage to the base of your electric toothbrush could have damaged it in such a way that it starts acting odd. From switching on in the middle of the night to having charging 'beeps' triggered without any actual cause or need, lots can go wrong. A repair is usually uneconomical, making a complete replacement necessary in most cases.

Look for Multiple Units

Most electric toothbrushes and their charging stations are fine within range of each other, but in certain cases, a conflict can occur. Check whether your wireless electric toothbrush is nearby to one of another brand. Separate the two to isolate this as the possible cause.

At times, interference can result in a tone resembling a "buzz." This test is quick and easy and will only affect some users. Keep in mind that other wireless electronics can also cause interference, as well as electronics plugged into the same outlet.

Test a Different Socket

Try charging your electric toothbrush from a different socket. If there is earth leakage, it's possible that a buzzing sound will be emitted from anything in charge, such as electric razors and electric toothbrushes.

Attempt plugging in a different charger to see whether it's sound is amplified by the faulty circuit to confirm the problem if a different socket leaves you without any problems and no loud sound.

Discharge Your Electric Toothbrush Completely

Before giving up on your electric toothbrush, try discharging it completely. Use it until the battery is totally flat and then leave it to rest overnight.

Charge it again in the morning and see whether it makes the same buzzing noise as it did before. One thing that we should note is that if your charger made the buzzing from the start, this is most likely due to nothing other than vibration within the unit. There is nothing to worry about — you only need to be concerned if the sound starts up intermittently or suddenly.

Sudden Buzzing Sounds are Bad

Don't continue using an electric toothbrush if it suddenly starts making a terribly loud buzzing sound. It could be shorting inside and then poses a fire risk. Even if the internal oscillation has reached the point where it's loud, this is just showing that you're near due for a replacement. See if replacement chargers are available and, if not, replace the whole unit.

When to Retire Your Electric Toothbrush

When an electric toothbrush is past the point of safe operation, it'll either stop charging or start making excessive noise.

The noise is normally a sign of the head begin worn, and replacement isn't worth it. This is when you'll need a new toothbrush instead.

The mere fact that the buzzing is bothering you in the first place should be a heads-up that the frustration isn't needed — go buy something better for your oral hygiene or replace your favorite electric toothbrush.

Either way, the noise can't be normal, and it definitely can't stay that way. Higher-end units may be repaired by their agents or specialized local repair shops, but this is uncommon.