Can You Bring an Electric Toothbrush on a Plane?

Traveling soon? Learn if you can bring an electric toothbrush on a plane and the TSA rules for packing it in carry-on or checked luggage. Essential tips inside!

Tobi Miles
By
Tobi Miles
December 21, 2023

Oral hygiene is just as important when traveling as when you’re at home—however, some people like the convenience of an electric toothbrush. But, of course, that begs the question: can you bring an electric toothbrush on a plane?

According to TSA regulations, you CAN bring an electric toothbrush on an airplane in your carry-on and checked bags. They are best transported in your carry-on luggage since they have lithium batteries and pose a possible explosion hazard in the cargo area. Each airline has different regulations, so it’s best to check your airline for more details.

This article will take you through the rules and regulations surrounding your electric toothbrush aboard aircraft. That way, you can decide the best way to pack it so you can bring it with you.

Should I Put My Electric Toothbrush in Carry-on or Checked Luggage?

Should I Put My Electric Toothbrush in Carry-on or Checked Luggage?
Should I Put My Electric Toothbrush in Carry-on or Checked Luggage

Credit: Shutterstock

It’s best to store an electric toothbrush in the carry-on bag at all times. This reduces the risk of something happening in the cargo. Also, you’ll have access so you can brush following meals in terminals or on long flights.

To minimize luggage when traveling either solo or with someone, you can bring two brush heads and a solitary toothbrush base.

As a matter of fact, for this reason, many manufacturers offer travel cases that contain one base and several heads. It's difficult enough to sleep on a flight. But sometimes, you need to have access to your nighttime routine, and be able to brush your teeth aboard a flight.

Will TSA Confiscate My Electric Toothbrush?

The TSA confiscating your electric toothbrush is a scarce, if not almost nonexistent issue in the United States.

Small gadgets such as computers, tablets, and eReaders are the only items that must be removed from carry-on bags for additional screening.

And after pouring through many different comments regarding this matter, there have not been any issues where someone mentioned their electric toothbrush being taken away.

Related Read: How Big Can My Toiletry Bag Be To Fly? Quart-Size Bags

Will An Electric Toothbrush Activate During Travel?

Will An Electric Toothbrush Activate During Travel?
Will An Electric Toothbrush Activate During Travel

Credit: Shutterstock

This has happened before, especially if you toss your fully-charged electric toothbrush in a bag with several other items. So, it’s best that you carry it in a protective case when you’re going anywhere.

The hard plastic case will keep your other items from having access to your electric toothbrush’s power button. However, even if it does get activated in your carry-on, you can simply turn it off if you hear it buzzing.

Also, there are safety clips you can buy if you don’t want to put your toothbrush in a travel container. The safety clip will cover your buttons’ edges to make it nearly impossible for anything to activate it accidentally.

Should You Fully Charge Your Electric Toothbrush Before Taking It on a Trip?

Before any journey of any duration, it’s best to make sure you thoroughly charge your electric toothbrushes.

That's more convenient than carrying the charger, and a full battery brush should last at least two weeks. However, if you’re going on a trip that’s longer than 14 days, then it’s best to carry the chargers with you.

In the past, an electric toothbrush's recharge could last up to two weeks. However, it’s not uncommon to see changes that are thirty days or greater these days.

Can You Bring Mouthwash On A Plane?

Can You Bring Mouthwash On A Plane?
Can You Bring Mouthwash On A Plane

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When flying, the amount of beverages and gels you may bring on board the plane is usually limited. This implies you might not be able to pack your preferred mouthwash in your carry-on.

However, you can always check into mouth cleansing and teeth cleansing tablets. They have the same effect as toothpaste and mouth wash, except in tablet form.

They include active components such as nanohydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate, which are very effective. They might not have the same consistency or mouth feel as regular mouthwash or toothpaste, but most people have been quite satisfied with how clean they make my teeth feel!

Related Read: What Does 100 ml Look Like?

Can You Bring Teeth Cleansing Wipes On A Plane?

We completely understand if packing up your electric toothbrush seems like too much work. So instead, you could turn to teeth cleansing wipes.

Wipes for tooth brushing are preferable to nothing! While a cleaning wipe is a new idea, it closely resembles what most parents of infants are taught to do when cleaning baby teeth.

Using a baby-soft cloth over a fingertip to carefully wipe away plaque is the easiest and safest method. For permanent teeth, this notion may work, but not as successful as it does for baby teeth.

One thing to keep in mind is that a cleaning wipe and a finger can't reach all of the regions on the teeth.

However, we recommend using these in conjunction with flossing for a rapid clean on an airplane. Or to use them to provide a cursory cleaning with the idea of regular brushing.

Does an Electric Toothbrush Have a Lithium Battery?

Electric toothbrushes have a lithium battery, so it’s recommended to put them in your carry-on rather than in the cargo, where they can get crushed by accident and explode.

You can throw your toothbrush in a hard travel case to reduce the risk of an accident. Furthermore, you can wedge some toilet paper in it to keep the brush from moving at all. However, we this that’s a bit overkill.

Can You Bring Toothpaste on a Plane?

Can You Bring Toothpaste on a Plane
Can You Bring Toothpaste on a Plane

Credit: Shutterstock

Since you’re traveling with your toothbrush, it’s essential to know whether you can have toothpaste on board as well. The TSA (Transport Security Administration) says toothpaste is allowed on planes, but only in small amounts.

Because toothpaste is classified as a gel, many airline regulations have established guidelines for any and all fluids and gels carried in carry-on luggage.

All types and brands of toothpaste are permitted, and they do not have to be in their original container. If you don't have a little container for your toothpaste but have a bigger one, then you could just stuff it in your carry-on luggage.

What Size Toothpaste Can You Carry on an Airplane?

In the United States, toothpaste in hand luggage must be kept in containers that are no greater than 3.4 oz.

This guideline is followed by other countries that use the metric system. That implies toothpaste can only be purchased in quantities of 100 mL (3.4 oz).

Tobi Miles
Tobi Miles
Article updated:
July 28, 2024 7:46 AM

Tobi Miles is a University of Florida graduate turned globe-trotting culinary explorer and digital nomad expert. As the founder of "Bytes & Bites," he combines his passion for international cuisine with practical advice on remote work, inspiring others to experience the world through food and cultural immersion. With 32 countries under his belt and a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, Tobi is redefining the intersection of work, travel, and gastronomy for a new generation of adventurers.

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