A Canadian woman has sued Colgate-Palmolive Canada, alleging that one of the company's toothbrushes broke while she was using it, causing severe injuries to her mouth.
Saliha Alnoor of Surrey, British Columbia, claims she was brushing her teeth in October 2006 when the handle of her Colgate Active Angle toothbrush broke in two places, according to a story in the Montreal Gazette.
Alnoor said the broken toothbrush tore her gums, which began to bleed "profusely," and that she required extensive oral surgery to repair the damage. These injuries subsequently led to gingivitis, poor appetite, and weight loss, according to her complaint.
She contacted the company and was asked to provide "more information," according to the Gazette. The company initially offered her $20, but later increased the offer to $500 to settle the lawsuit, according to a story in the Vancouver Sun.
Alnoor estimates she has spent more than $25,000 on legal fees and dental care, the Sun reported.
The case is now on trial in British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver.
