Can You Bring an Electric Toothbrush on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring an electric toothbrush on a plane — in both carry-on and checked luggage. The TSA explicitly permits electric toothbrushes through security checkpoints. There are no restrictions on any consumer electric toothbrush model, regardless of battery type. The batteries in electric toothbrushes are far below the size thresholds that trigger FAA restrictions.

TSA Rules for Electric Toothbrushes

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that electric toothbrushes are allowed in both carry-on bags and checked luggage. You do not need to declare them, remove them from your bag during screening, or take any special precautions at the security checkpoint.

If a TSA agent pulls your bag for secondary inspection after the X-ray, it is usually because the dense motor and battery assembly can look unusual on the scan. This is a routine check and resolves quickly once the agent sees it is a toothbrush.

Lithium Battery Regulations

The FAA regulates lithium batteries on aircraft because they can, in rare cases, experience thermal runaway — an uncontrolled increase in temperature. However, the regulations are based on battery size, and electric toothbrush batteries are nowhere near the restricted thresholds.

Battery Size Context

• FAA limit without approval: 100 watt-hours (Wh) for carry-on lithium-ion batteries
• Typical electric toothbrush battery: 2-7 watt-hours
• For comparison: A smartphone battery is about 10-15 Wh; a laptop battery is about 50-100 Wh

Your electric toothbrush battery is roughly 2-5% of the FAA's limit. There is no scenario where a consumer electric toothbrush would trigger any battery-related restriction. For a deeper look at the battery technology used in different brands, see our guide on electric toothbrush battery types.

Carry-On vs. Checked Bag: Which Is Better?

Carry-On (Recommended)

Carrying your electric toothbrush in your carry-on bag is the best practice. Here is why:

• Battery safety. The FAA generally prefers lithium-ion batteries in the cabin where any issue can be detected and addressed immediately. While the risk with a toothbrush battery is negligible, it aligns with best practices.
• Accessibility. If you have a long layover or overnight connection, you can brush your teeth in an airport restroom.
• Protection from damage. Checked bags are handled roughly. Your toothbrush is safer in your carry-on.
• No risk of lost luggage. If your checked bag goes missing, you still have your oral hygiene essentials.

Checked Luggage (Fine, With Precautions)

If you prefer to pack your toothbrush in checked luggage, take these precautions:

• Prevent accidental activation. Use a travel case or travel lock feature if your brush has one. Alternatively, remove the brush head — most brushes will not activate without a head attached.
• Protect from pressure changes. Cabin pressure changes can cause containers to expand. This is not typically an issue for toothbrushes, but if you pack toothpaste alongside it, ensure the cap is tight.

International Travel Considerations

The rules for electric toothbrushes are essentially the same worldwide, as international aviation battery regulations are harmonized through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). However, a few notes for international travelers:

• Voltage differences do not matter for battery-powered brushes. Since your toothbrush runs on its built-in battery, you can use it anywhere in the world without a voltage converter.
• Charger compatibility. You will need a plug adapter for the charger if traveling to a country with different outlet types. Inductive (wireless) chargers are voltage-universal (100-240V) and only need a physical plug adapter. See our charger guide for more details.
• Battery life matters. A fully charged premium electric toothbrush typically lasts 2-4 weeks on a single charge. For short trips, you may not need to bring the charger at all.

Travel Tips for Electric Toothbrush Users

1. Fully charge before your trip. Top off your toothbrush the night before departure. Most quality brushes will last your entire trip on a full charge.
2. Use a ventilated travel case. A case protects the brush head and prevents accidental activation. Choose one with ventilation holes so the brush head can dry between uses and avoid bacterial growth.
3. Bring a spare brush head. They take almost no space and save you from having to hunt for a compatible replacement in a foreign country.
4. Consider a travel-specific brush. If you travel frequently, a dedicated travel electric toothbrush might be worth the investment. Models like the Philips One by Sonicare or Quip are designed specifically for portability.
5. Let the brush head dry before packing. After your last brush before checkout, shake off excess water and let the head air-dry as long as possible before putting it in its case. A damp brush head in an enclosed case is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Toothpaste and the 3-1-1 Rule

While your electric toothbrush has no TSA restrictions, toothpaste does. The TSA's 3-1-1 rule requires that liquids, gels, and pastes in carry-on bags must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all fitting in a single quart-sized clear zip-top bag.

Standard toothpaste tubes are usually 4-6 oz, which exceeds the limit. Options for carry-on:

• Purchase travel-size toothpaste (1 oz tubes are widely available)
• Use toothpaste tablets (dry tablets that you chew and then brush — no liquid restrictions)
• Pack full-size toothpaste in your checked bag