Good news: you can absolutely bring an electric toothbrush on a plane. Both in your carry-on and checked luggage are fair game, according to the TSA. They don’t consider it a weapon or a hazardous item—unless you’re planning some very creative dental sabotage.
I’ve personally flown with mine in my backpack, my checked bag, and once even in my jacket pocket (don’t ask). Never once has an agent pulled me aside for it. So breathe easy, friend.
But wait—there’s a catch if your toothbrush runs on lithium-ion batteries. Those are the rechargeable ones, and they have a few extra rules.
Lithium Batteries: The Real Drama
If your toothbrush has a built-in, non-removable lithium battery (like most Oral-B or Sonicare models), you’re fine. You can keep it in your carry-on or checked bag, but carry-on is strongly recommended by the FAA. Why? Because lithium batteries in the cargo hold are a bigger fire risk—imagine a tiny, angry explosion at 30,000 feet.
Now, if your toothbrush uses removable lithium batteries (some older ones do), the rules get strict. You can only bring those batteries in your carry-on, not in checked luggage. And you need to cap the terminals with tape to prevent short circuits. Yes, I’m serious—tape.
Side note: I once watched a guy try to explain to a TSA agent that his toothbrush’s batteries were “not really lithium” because he’d wrapped them in socks. Don’t be that guy.
.webp)
Can You Take an Electric Toothbrush in Carry-On or Checked Luggage?
