Protect Privacy from a Smart Toothbrush Camera

Some smart toothbrushes now include a tiny camera to scan your teeth and gums, which means a device inside your mouth is capturing images of your oral cavity. While these images are meant for dental health tracking, they can be a privacy risk if the data is mishandled or intercepted. This guide explains how to secure your toothbrush, limit data collection, and keep your mouth’s images private.

What You’ll Need

• Your smart toothbrush and its charging dock or cable
• The companion mobile app (installed on your phone)
• Access to your Wi-Fi router settings (admin login)
• A computer or phone to change settings
• Optional: a privacy screen protector for your phone

Step-by-Step

1. Check the privacy policy. Before using the toothbrush, review the manufacturer’s privacy policy on their website. Look for what data is collected, how it’s stored, who it’s shared with, and whether you can request deletion. If the policy is vague or allows selling your data, consider not using the camera feature.
2. Disable the camera when not needed. Most apps have a setting to turn off the camera or image capture. Open the app, go to Settings or Privacy, and toggle off “Camera” or “Image Capture.” If you only need brushing time tracking, you can keep the camera off permanently.
3. Use a local-only mode. If the app offers an “offline” or “local” mode, enable it. This prevents images from being uploaded to the cloud, keeping them on your phone only. Check the app’s settings for “Data Storage” or “Cloud Sync” and choose “Device Only.”
4. Secure your phone. Since the app stores images on your phone, lock your phone with a strong PIN or biometric lock. Enable full-disk encryption (default on modern iOS and Android). Avoid using a simple pattern or password.
5. Keep the app updated. Updates often include security patches. Set your app store to auto-update, or manually check for updates at least once a month. An outdated app may have known vulnerabilities.
6. Review app permissions. Go to your phone’s settings, find the toothbrush app, and revoke permissions it doesn’t need. For example, it likely doesn’t need access to your contacts, location, or microphone. Only keep permissions like Bluetooth and camera (if you use it).
7. Use a separate Wi-Fi network. If your router supports guest networks, put your toothbrush and other IoT devices on a guest network that is isolated from your main devices. This limits the damage if the toothbrush is compromised. Log into your router, create a guest network, and connect the toothbrush to it.
8. Disable cloud sync. In the app, find “Cloud Backup” or “Sync to Cloud” and turn it off. If you already have images in the cloud, delete them from the cloud and then from the app’s trash folder.
9. Use a strong password for the app account. If the app requires an account, use a unique, strong password (not reused elsewhere). Enable two-factor authentication if available.
10. Turn off the toothbrush when not in use. Some models have a standby mode that may still record. Fully power off the device if possible, or store it in a case that blocks the camera lens.
11. Cover the camera. If you don’t need the camera at all, place a small piece of opaque tape over the lens. This is a physical block that guarantees no images are captured. Ensure the tape doesn’t interfere with charging or brushing.
12. Regularly delete stored images. Even if you use the camera, periodically go into the app and delete old images or videos. This reduces the amount of sensitive data on your device and in any backups.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring the camera indicator. Some toothbrushes have a small LED that lights up when the camera is active. If you see it on when you’re not using the app, that’s a red flag. Check your settings.
• Leaving Bluetooth discoverable. If your toothbrush’s Bluetooth is always discoverable, a nearby attacker could try to connect. Turn off Bluetooth when not using the app, or set the toothbrush to “pairing mode” only when needed.
• Using default passwords. If your toothbrush has a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth password, change it from the default. Default credentials are widely known.
• Granting unnecessary permissions. Allowing the app to access your camera roll or microphone can expose more data if the app is compromised.
• Sharing your brushing data. Some apps let you share progress on social media. Avoid this, as images of your mouth could be stored on those platforms.

Tips

• Read the manual. The user manual often explains how the camera works and what data is stored. Look for a “Privacy” section.
• Use a VPN on your phone. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for your ISP or others to see what data the app sends. This is especially useful if you use the app on public Wi-Fi.
• Check for firmware updates. Some toothbrushes have firmware that can be updated via the app. Update regularly to get security fixes.
• Consider a non-camera model. If privacy is a top concern, you might choose a toothbrush without a camera. Many excellent models offer brushing feedback without imaging.
• Use a dedicated phone for IoT. If you have an old smartphone, you can use it solely for controlling smart devices. This isolates your main phone’s data.

Troubleshooting

• I can’t turn off the camera. Some apps hide the camera toggle. Look under “Advanced Settings” or “Device Settings.” If you can’t find it, contact the manufacturer’s support (not a toll-free number, but via their website) and ask for instructions. As a last resort, cover the lens with tape.
• The app keeps asking for camera permission. If you’ve disabled the camera, the app may still request permission. You can deny it in your phone’s settings. If the app becomes unusable, you may need to re-enable it temporarily, but then disable it again after use.
• Images are still being uploaded to the cloud. Even after disabling cloud sync, some apps may have a separate “backup” feature. Check for “Auto-backup” or “Wi-Fi upload” in the app settings. If you can’t stop it, delete the app and the toothbrush account, then reinstall and set up without granting cloud permissions.
• The toothbrush is not connecting to the guest network. Some IoT devices only work on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Ensure your guest network broadcasts on 2.4GHz and that the password is entered correctly. If it still fails, you may need to keep it on your main network but use a firewall rule to block internet access for that device.
• I see a blinking light but I’m not using the app. This could indicate the camera is active. Immediately turn off the toothbrush and check the app settings. If the problem persists, reset the toothbrush to factory settings and set it up again with privacy settings applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the toothbrush record video without me knowing?

In most cases, the camera only activates when you start a brushing session or use the app. However, if the device has a vulnerability, it could be triggered remotely. Physical cover is the only way to guarantee no recording.

Where are the images stored?

Images are typically stored on your phone and possibly in the manufacturer’s cloud. Check the app’s data storage settings to see where they go. If you have cloud sync enabled, they are likely on the company’s servers.

Can I delete images from the cloud?

Yes, most apps allow you to delete individual images or all data. Go to the app’s “Data” or “History” section, select the images, and delete. Some apps also have a “Delete all data” option in settings. After deleting, also clear the app’s cache on your phone.

Does the toothbrush work without the camera?

Yes, you can use the toothbrush for brushing and basic tracking without the camera. The camera is usually an optional feature for dental scans. Disabling it will not affect the motor or brushing timer.

Is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi more secure for this device?

Wi-Fi is generally more secure than Bluetooth if your network is properly secured (WPA2/WPA3). Bluetooth has a shorter range, which reduces exposure, but it can be more vulnerable to close-range attacks. Use whichever is necessary, but ensure your Wi-Fi password is strong.

What should I do if I suspect my toothbrush has been hacked?

Immediately turn off the toothbrush, unplug it, and reset it to factory settings. Change your Wi-Fi password and the password for your toothbrush app account. Review the app’s permissions and consider using a different toothbrush if you feel the risk is high.

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