Electric Toothbrush On A Plane: How To Travel & Keep Teeth Clean?

If you are traveling, you might be worried about maintaining your dental hygiene and good habits. If electric brushing is a key part of your routine, you may be asking yourself: Can I bring an electric toothbrush on a plane? We’ll answer this question shortly.

There’s often a lot of confusion about what you can bring on a plane. While some items may be allowed on a carry-on, some others may need to be in a checked bag. That’s why it’s always a good idea to put together a packing checklist every time you are traveling.

Let’s take a look now at whether or not you can bring an electric toothbrush on a plane.

Can You Bring An Electric Toothbrush On a Plane?

The answer is yes. You can bring an electric toothbrush on board with a carry-on bag. Likewise, you can pack it in a checked bag. The Transport Security Administration (TSA) guidelines allow you to pack it in either one.

However, there are things to be aware of. If the toothbrush is powered by a lithium-ion battery, you may not be able to put it in your checked luggage, but you can usually pack it in a carry-on.

If lithium batteries can get damaged, short circuit, or overheat, they can be dangerous and catch fire. It’s important that you check the airline policy since it might differ from one or the other. It may also be a good idea to remove the battery (if needed) before you pack the toothbrush in the bag.

It’s also a good idea to pack spare lithium-ion batteries. An electric toothbrush may also have built-in batteries that are rechargeable. But they need to be replaced on a regular basis. If you are packing lithium batteries (whether they are removed from a device or spares), make sure they are packed in carry-on bags for safety purposes.

Yes, lithium-ion batteries were banned in the past for safety reasons. However, they have since been re-allowed.

What If I’m Not Sure About Carrying An Electric Toothbrush?

If you are unsure about your electric toothbrush complying with TSA guidelines, it never hurts to check with them. You can reach out to them via Twitter @AskTSA and they will be happy to answer your questions.

Also, it may be wise to make sure your electric toothbrush is shut off. This way, it won’t catch the attention of the TSA or any passengers in line. It might also be mistaken for a certain device (which we might not mention).

What Should You Know About Lithium Batteries?

Lithium or lithium-ion batteries are used on most electronic devices. These include rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. These spare batteries, including power banks and cell phone batteries, must be packed in carry-on bags only.

Because of the potential of catching fire, they cannot be packed in checked bags. If the bags underneath the deck catch fire, it can lead to a disaster. If you are using devices that contain lithium batteries (or something similar), you will need to carry them in your carry-on bag or in your pocket.

You can ask the TSA if you have any questions regarding devices powered by lithium (or lithium-ion) batteries. The size limit will be 2 grams for non-rechargeable batteries. If you are packing rechargeable batteries, they need to be limited to 100-watt hours (Wh) per battery.

There are no quantity limits for most batteries. However, you need to use the batteries in the appropriate devices. These batteries must be protected from potential damage.

You will need to pack these in protective cases. They should not be loose in a bag. Nor should they be in clothes pockets. Battery terminals will need to be covered to prevent short-circuiting from happening.

If the batteries are already damaged or under recall, they should not be packed at all. This can be due to safety hazards such as fires. Make sure you check each battery before you are able to pack them properly.

Does It Matter If My Flight Is Domestic Or International?

Your electric toothbrush will not pose a security threat. After all, it’s not a weapon. It doesn’t matter if you are flying on a domestic or international flight.

No matter what airline you’re flying, you are allowed to pack a toothbrush. Again, it may be wise to remove and properly pack the batteries separately. This will be in case it may be switched on by accident.

It can make strange noises and people may think something is wrong with the plane. Whether you are traveling to New York from Philly or London from Boston, feel free to bring your electric toothbrush. Your teeth need to be nice and clean regardless of where you go.

What About Other Dental Tools?

Of course, toothpaste is a must-have when you’re traveling. However, it needs to be in a container that is less than 3.4 ounces. What about other dental implements?

You may have a toothpick that is made of metal or even flossers with picks at the end. Both of these are allowable in your carry-on bag. You may have heard stories about certain dental supplies causing security concerns.

Yes, this happened years ago. A dentist had dental supplies, including fillings, in his carry-on bag. TSA noticed this and it caused the security checkpoints to shut down.

After questioning, the dentist was freed without incident and made his flight to Barbados. There are much basic oral hygiene implements that you will be allowed to pack on an airplane. If you are unsure about what you can or cannot pack, TSA will be able to help.

You can contact them online and they’ll be happy to answer all your questions. For more reference, you can refer to the TSA’s website regarding the different types of medical equipment. Oral hygiene products are not considered medical implements. But asking will give you peace of mind about any health-related essentials you could need on hand.

Finally, you’ll want to keep the number seven in mind. You can bring dental floss, toothpicks, and other small dental items on board. They must be under seven inches in length so they can easily fit in your carry-on or checked bag.

Can I Pack An Electric Toothbrush In a Travel Case?

Yes. It is wise to pack an electric toothbrush in a hardened travel case. This will ensure that your toothbrush does not get damaged during transport. Especially when you decide to pack it in a checked bag (which can get thrown around or piled on by other baggage).

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can pack an electric toothbrush. It’s important to make sure it’s in a safe compartment to prevent damage. It’s also a good idea to remove the batteries and store them where necessary.

When it comes to packing your items, you need to play it safe. This way, you won’t have to inadvertently cause any safety issues that may arise. As always, TSA will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have about packing items and safety precautions you need to take.

We hope this guide has been helpful for you. Safe travels.