Panasonic EW-DC12 Sonic Vibration Toothbrush Instruction Manual

Panasonic EW-DC12 Sonic Vibration Toothbrush

WARNING

  • Be sure to switch off the appliance and remove the power plug from a household outlet before performing any maintenance. Failure to do so may result in electric shock.
  • Do not wash the charger. Doing so may result in electric shock.
  • The supply cord cannot be replaced. If the cord is damaged, the charger should be scrapped.
  • Toothbrushes can be used by children and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
  • Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.
  • Children shall not play with the appliance.
  • Do not use anything other than the supplied charger for any purpose. Also, do not use any other product with the charger. (See page 10.)
  • The following symbol indicates that a specific detachable power supply unit is required for connecting the electrical appliance to the supply mains. The type reference of power supply unit is marked near the symbol.

Safety precautions

To reduce the risk of injury, loss of life, electric shock, fire, and damage to property, always observe the following safety precautions.

Explanation of symbols

The following symbols are used to classify and describe the level of hazard, injury, and property damage caused when the denotation is disregarded and improper use is performed.

  • DANGER Denotes a potential hazard that will result in serious injury or death.
  • WARNING Denotes a potential hazard that could result in serious injury or death.
  • CAUTION Denotes a hazard that could result in minor injury or property damage.

The following symbols are used to classify and describe types of instructions to be observed.

  • This symbol is used to alert users to a specific operating procedure that must not be performed.
  • This symbol is used to alert users to a specific operating procedure that must be followed in order to operate the unit safely.

WARNING

  • Preventing accidents Do not store within the reach of children or infants. Do not let them use it.
    • Doing so may cause an accident or injury due to accidental ingestion of removable parts.\
  • Power supply Do not connect or disconnect the charger to a household outlet with a wet hand.
    • Doing so may cause electric shock or injury. Do not immerse the charger (except the main unit guide) in water or wash with water. Do not place the charger over or near water filled sink or bathtub. Do not use when the charger is damaged or when the fitting into the household outlet is loose. Do not damage, modify, or forcibly bend, pull, or twist the cord. Also, do not place anything heavy on or pinch the cord.
    • Doing so may cause electric shock or fire due to a short circuit. Do not use in a way exceeding the rating of the household outlet or the wiring.
    • Exceeding the rating by connecting too many power plugs to one household outlet may cause fire due to overheating.

WARNING

  • Always ensure the appliance is operated on an electric power source matched to the rated voltage indicated on the charger. Fully insert the power plug.
    • Failure to do so may cause fire or electric shock. Always unplug the power plug from a household outlet when cleaning the charger.
    • Failure to do so may cause electric shock or injury. Regularly clean the power plug to prevent dust from accumulating.
    • Failure to do so may cause fire due to insulation failure caused by humidity.
  • In case of an abnormality or malfunction Immediately stop using and remove the charger if there is an abnormality or malfunction.
    • Failure to do so may cause fire, electric shock, or injury. <Abnormality or malfunction cases>
    • The main unit, charger or cord is deformed or abnormally hot.
    • The main unit, charger or cord smells of burning.
    • There is abnormal sound during use or charging of the main unit.
    • Immediately request inspection or repair to an authorized service centre.
  • This appliance
    • This appliance has a built-in rechargeable battery. Do not throw into fire or apply heat. Do not charge, use or leave in high temperature environment.
    • Doing so may cause overheating, ignition, or explosion. Do not modify or repair.
    • Doing so may cause fire, electric shock, or injury. →Contact an authorized service centre for repair (battery change, etc.). Never disassemble except when disposing of the appliance.
    • Doing so may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
      CAUTION
  • Protecting your teeth and gums Do not use the appliance with toothpaste that contains a high abrasive content, such as toothpaste for removing tar or for whitening. Do not apply the brush head strongly against teeth or gums, or use it continuously against the same spot. Do not apply the plastic part of the main unit or brush head to teeth. Do not let anyone who cannot operate the appliance by themselves use it. People with low sensitivity in their mouth should not use the appliance.
    • Doing so may cause injury or damage to teeth and gums.

CAUTION
People who may have periodontal disease,
or concerned about symptoms within their
mouth should consult a dentist before use.

    • Failure to do so may cause injury or damage to teeth and gums.
  • This appliance Never use for a purpose other than cleaning your teeth.
    • Doing so may cause an accident or injury. Do not share your brush head with your family or other people.
    • Doing so may result in infection or inflammation.
  • Note the following precautions Do not drop or subject to shock.
    • Doing so may cause injury. Do not wrap the cord around the charger when storing.
    • Doing so may cause the wire in the cord to break with the load, and may cause fire due to a short circuit.
    • Do not allow metal objects or trash to adhere to the power plug.
    • Doing so may cause electric shock or fire due to a short circuit. Disconnect the charger from the household outlet when not charging.
    • Failure to do so may cause electric shock or fire due to electrical leakage resulting from insulation deterioration. Disconnect the charger by holding the power plug instead of the cord.
    • Failure to do so may cause electric shock or fire due to a short circuit.

Handling of the removed battery when disposing

DANGER

  • The rechargeable battery is exclusively for use with this appliance. Do not use the batterywith other appliance. Do not charge the battery after it has been removed from the appliance. Do not throw into fire or apply heat. Do not hit, disassemble, modify, or puncture with a nail. Do not let the positive and negative terminals of the battery get in contact with each other through metallic objects.Do not carry or store the battery together with metallic jewellery such as necklaces and hairpins. Do not use or leave the battery where it will be exposed to high temperatures, such as under direct sunlight or near other sources of heat. Never peel off the tube.
    • Doing so may cause overheating, ignition, or explosion.

WARNING

  • After removing the rechargeable battery, do not keep it within reach of children and infants.
    • The battery will harm the body if accidentally swallowed. If this happens, consult a physician immediately.If the battery fluid leaks out and comes in contact with the eyes, do not rub the eyes, and thoroughly rinse with clean water, such as tap water.
    • Failure to do so may cause eye injury. Consult a physician immediately.
      CAUTION
      If the battery fluid leaks out and comes in contact with the skin or clothes, rinse off with clean water, such as tap water.
    • Failure to do so may cause inflammation.

Important information

  • This appliance shall be kept away from area of high temperature or direct sunlight.
  • When you first begin using the appliance, you may experience slight bleeding of the gums even though your gums may be healthy. This is because your gums are receiving stimulation by the appliance for the first time. The bleeding should stop after one or two weeks of use. Bleeding that persists for more than two weeks may be an indication of an abnormal condition of your gums, such as periodontal disease. In this case, stop using the appliance and consult your dentist.
  • Charge the appliance correctly according to these Operating Instructions. (See pages 11 and 12 “Charging”.)
  • This appliance contains a battery that is only replaceable by skilled persons. Please contact an authorized service center for the details of the repair.

Parts identification

Main unit

  1. Toothbrush shaft
  2. Waterproof rubber seal
  3. Power switch (Power off/on/mode selection)
  4. Mode indicator
  5. Battery capacity lamp ( )
  6. Charge status lamp
    Extra-fine brush
  7. Identification ring Charger (RE8-57)
  8. charging stand
  9. Main unit guide
  10. Charging section
  11. Cord
  12.  Power plug

Charging

Preparation Place the charger on a horizontal and stable surface

  1. Insert the main unit straight into
    the charging section with the front
    side facing forward.
    • Charging cannot start when the main unit is tilted or the bottom of the main unit is not in contact with the charging section.
  2. Insert the power plug into the household outlet.
    • Charging is completed after approx. 17 hours. (The charging time may differ with the battery capacity.)
      Display while charging

  • If the charge status lamp ( ) is blinking rapidly (twice every second) or does not glow even after several minutes, the main unit may not be inserted into the charging section properly. Make sure that the main unit guide is attached to the charging stand properly.
  • How to check that charging is completed: Insert the main unit again after removing it from the charging section. If the charge status lamp ( ) glows and then turns off after 5 seconds, charging is completed.

Disconnect the power plug from the household outlet after charging is completed.
(For safety and energy saving)

    • Charging the battery for more than 17 hours will not damage the main unit.
  • Operating time after a full charge
    Mode Operating time
    REGULAR SOFT SENSITIVE  

    Approx. 90 minutes

    The operating time may vary depending on the ambient temperature and use conditions.)

    About the charging reminder function

    • If the power switch is turned off when the battery is low, the main unit beeps and the battery capacity lamp blinks.
    • The battery capacity lamp ( ) turns off after blinking for approx. 5 seconds.
      Notes
    • When charging the main unit for the first time or when it has not been in use for more than 6 months, the charging time may change or the charge status lamp ( ) may not glow for a few minutes. It will eventually glow if kept connected.
    • Recommended ambient temperature for charging is 5 °C – 35 °C. The battery may not charge properly or not at all under extreme low or high temperatures.
    • Charging may not be possible with any charger other than the one supplied (RE8-57) even if the charge status lamp ( ) is glowing.
    • The battery will deteriorate if not used for over 6 months, so make sure to perform a full charge at least once in 6 months.

    Before use

    • This toothbrush is an electric toothbrush with sonic vibration* of approximately 31 000 horizontal brush strokes/minute.
      • Sonic vibration in the acoustic wave range
    • About soft start function
      The product will gradually reach the selected speed and vibration approximately 2 seconds after it starts operating. This function helps to prevent toothpaste from spattering and get accustomed to the high speed vibration.
    • About the 30-second brushing notification timer function

    The toothbrush will pause once at 30-second intervals to indicate the brushing time. The toothbrush pauses twice at 2-minute intervals then starts again.

    • Divide your teeth into 4 parts (upper and lower, left and right), and brush one part in order such as “1 front of the teeth”, “2 biting plane of the teeth”, and “3 back of the teeth” spending 30 seconds. By brushing the above 4 parts for 30 seconds each (about 2 minutes), you can evenly brush your teeth without missing any spots in your mouth.
    • Mode memory function
      The mode used last is memorized. The toothbrush operates in the mode last used when the power switch is turned on. Example: When the power switch is turned off after using in the “REGULAR” mode ( from the “REGULAR” mode ) it will start  when the power ( switch is turned on the next time. ),

    Using

    • The appliance may not operate in an ambient temperature of approximately 5 °C or lower.
    • Do not put the main unit in contact with hair care products, hand creams, etc. (Doing so may damage the exterior.)

    Install the brush head onto the toothbrush shaft properly

    • Ensure that the direction is correct. Align the front of the main unit and the front of the brush head.
    • Do not attach the brush head by twisting it into place. (Doing so may damage the brush head and main unit.)
    • The toothbrush shaft will move when a force is applied. This is required for operation and is not a malfunction.
    • There is a small gap between the brush head and the main unit (a few mm). This is necessary for the operation and is not a malfunction.

    Place the toothbrush in your mouth.

    • Apply a small amount of toothpaste.
    • To avoid spattering of toothpaste, put the brush head in your mouth before turning the power on.

    Press the power switch to turn on the main unit.

    • Move the brush head with the bristles lightly touching your teeth.
    • When first using this appliance, some people may experience a tickling or tingling sensation caused by the sonic vibrations. The sensation should subside after you use the toothbrush several more times.
    • If you press the toothbrush too hard against your teeth, the operating power of the toothbrush may be weakened and the sound may change.

    4 Select the mode.

    • If you want to change the mode, press the power switch. The mode indicator ( ) of the selected mode glows.
    • When you feel REGULAR mode is too stimulating, selecting SOFT mode is recommended.
    • Use the SENSITIVE mode when your gums are swollen, bleeding or exceptionally sensitive.
    • In the same mode, if you press the power switch after more than 5 seconds upon startup, the power is turned off. If you press the power switch within 5 seconds upon startup, the mode is changed.

    5 Turn off the main unit when you have finished brushing.

    • Turn off the main unit before removing it from your mouth to prevent saliva from spattering.

    Tips on usage

    Brushing

    Extra-fine brush
    It is used to brush periodontal pockets, the boundary between the teeth and gums, etc.(It is also used to brush the tooth surface and biting surface.)

    How to apply / move the toothbrush

    • Apply the bristles of the brush lightly against the teeth and move the toothbrush slowly.

    Periodontal pockets and the boundary between the teeth and gums

    • Use the extra-fine brush to brush these areas.
    • Place the brush head at a 45° angle.
    • Apply the ends of bristles lightly against the teeth and move the toothbrush slowly.

    Front surface and the biting surface of teeth

    • Apply the brush head at a 90° angle.

    For the back of the front teeth or misaligned teeth

    • place the brush head vertically.
    • Move the toothbrush to match the angle of the teeth.

    After use

    Cleaning the brush head and the main unit

    Remove the brush head.

    • Remove the brush head straight from the toothbrush shaft.

    Wash the brush head under running water.

    • Thoroughly rinse the inner and bottom of brush head.
    • Do not forcefully pull or force apart the bristles on the brush head. (Doing so may cause the bristles to fall off.)
    • Do not wash with water over 80 °C. (Doing so may damage the brush head.)

    Wash the main unit under running water.

    • Do not damage or rub the waterproof rubber seal ( ) with hard materials.
    • Do not immerse the main unit in water long time. (Otherwise, the water may seep into the main unit.)
    • Do not wash with water over 40 °C. (Doing so may damage the main unit.)

    Wipe off the water on the brush head and main unit.

    • Do not charge while it is wet. (Doing so may cause soiling.)

    If the identification ring comes off

    • As shown in the right figure, install the identification ring with its convex part ( b ) aligned with the concave part ( a ) of the brush head.
    • Do not forcefully pull the identification ring. (Doing so may cause damage.)
    • Using the toothbrush without the identification ring has no effect on its performance.

    Cleaning the charger

    1. Disconnect the power plug from the household outlet.
    2. Slide and remove the main unit guide.
    3. Wash the main unit guide with running water before wiping the remaining water off.
      • Except for the main unit guide, all other parts cannot be washed with water.
    4. Wipe off the dirt on the bottom of the charger with a soft cloth.
      •  Attaching the main unit guide.
    1. Align the main unit guide with the specified line of the charging stand.
    2. Slide the main unit guide until it clicks into place.

    Wipe the prongs of the power plug with a dry cloth about once every 6 months. Frequently Asked Questions

    Question
    Why does the toothbrush temporarily stop every 30 seconds?
    Will the battery deteriorate if not used for an extended period of time?
    Can I charge the appliance after every use?
    Answer
    The toothbrush will notify you of the elapsed brushing time every 30 seconds. (See page 13.)
    The battery will deteriorate if not used for over 6 months, so make sure to perform a full charge at least once every 6 months.
    The battery used is a lithium-ion, so charging after every use will have no effect on battery life.

     Troubleshooting

    Problem
    While charging  

     

    The charge status lamp (     ) does not glow when charging starts.

     

     

    The charge status lamp (     ) is blinking rapidly. (Twice every second)

     

    The toothbrush can only be used for a few minutes, even if it is charged.

    The battery capacity lamp (     ) turns off without blinking.
    Possible cause
     

    You have just purchased the toothbrush or have not used it for a while.

    The main unit is not attached to the charging section.
     

     

    The temperature is too low or high while charging.

    The main unit cannot be inserted straight on the charger.
     

    The battery has reached the end of its life (approx.

    3 years).

    Action
    The charge status lamp (     ) may not glow for several minutes after starting to charge it, but it will glow if you continue to charge it. If the charge status lamp (     ) does not glow after a while, consult with an authorized service centre for repair.
    Check that the main unit guide has been attached to the charging stand properly. (See page 16.)
    Charge the toothbrush within the recommended charging temperature of 5 °C to 35 °C. If the charge status lamp (     ) blinks even when charging within the recommended temperature range, please contact an authorized service centre for repair.
    Insert the main unit so the bottom of it contacts the charging section of the charger, and confirm that the charge status lamp (     ) glows. (See page 11.)
     

    Replace the battery. (See page 20.)

    Please contact your dealer or Service Centre.

    Problem
    While using The toothbrush stops operating every once in a while.
    The vibration increases gradually when pressing the power switch.
    The toothbrush shaft moves.
     

     

    The toothbrush does not operate.

    Possible cause Action
    The “30-second brushing notification timer function” is in operation. (See page 13.)  

     

    This is not a malfunction. Continue using it.

    The “Soft start function” is in operation.

    (See page 12.)

     

     

    The battery has reached the end of its life (approx. 3 years).

    The appliance is used in a temperature condition of approximately 5 °C or lower.

    This is the normal condition. (See page 13.)
    Replace the battery. (See page 20.)

    Please contact your dealer or Service Centre.

    Do not use the appliance in temperature conditions of approximately 5 °C or lower.

    Battery life

    Approximately 3 years. The battery may have reached its operating life if the usage frequency decreases drastically, even after a full charge. (The operating life of the battery may differ depending on usage or storage conditions.)

    Disposal of the appliance

    Remove the built-in rechargeable battery before disposing the appliance.

    • The battery is to be disposed of safely.
    • This figure must only be used when disposing the appliance, and must not be used to repair it.
    • If you dismantle the appliance yourself, it will no longer be waterproof, which may cause it to malfunction.
      How to remove the battery
    • Remove the main unit from the charger.
    • Press the power switch to turn on the power and then keep the power on until the battery is completely discharged.
    • Perform steps 1 to 4 to disassemble the main unit and remove the battery with a screwdriver.
    • Take care not to short-circuit the positive and negative terminals of the removed battery, and insulate the terminals by applying tape to them.

    For environmental protection and recycling of materials
    This appliance contains a Lithium-ion battery. Please make sure that the battery is disposed of at an officially assigned location, if there is one in your country.

    Specifications

    Power source See the name plate on the product (Automatic voltage conversion)
    Charging time Approx. 17 hours

    (Room temperature: 5 °C – 35 °C)

    Airborne Acoustical Noise 60 (dB (A) re 1 pW)

    Changing the brush head (sold separately)

    • Replacing the brush head each 3 months is recommended.
    • Titled or worn bristle will not produce ideal effect.
    • Damaged brush head as a result of masticating will harm your teeth and gum. Replace the damaged one.
    • Replacement parts are available at your dealer or an authorized service centre.
    • Optional brush heads with identification ring to allow several people to share the main unit.

    Disposal of Old Equipment and Batteries Only for European Union and countries with recycling systems

    These symbols on the products, packaging, and/or accompanying documents mean that used electrical and electronic products and batteries must not be mixed with general household waste. For proper treatment, recovery and recycling of old products and used batteries, please take them to applicable collection points in accordance with your national legislation. By disposing of them correctly, you will help to save valuable resources and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the environment.For more information about collection and recycling, please contact your local authority. Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance with national legislation. Note for the battery symbol (bottom symbol) This symbol might be used in combination with a chemical symbol. In this case it complies with the requirement set by the Directive for the chemical involved.