So can you bring toothpaste on a plane? And what size toothpaste can you take on a plane?
It is important to keeping good oral hygiene while traveling.
But toiletries like toothpaste, liquids, gels and aerosols in general are allowed in the cabin but with limited restrictions.
The TSA allows toothpaste in carry-on baggage, but it falls under the 3-1-1 liquid rule, which is less than 3.4 oz or (100 ml) for a single container and you will need to place it inside a single quart sized bag with other toiletries.
In this post I will answer all your questions about traveling with toothpastes and other dental care products, like toothbrushes and similar items on planes.
Let’s dive right in.
Toothpaste TSA
Does TSA Allow Toothpaste In Carry-on?
The TSA does allow toothpaste through the security checkpoint and in carry-on. baggage.
But toothpaste is considered a liquid in the eyes of the TSA, that is why they limit the amount you can take in carry on to 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less for each container.
Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.
You will need to place your toothpaste along with other liquids and toiletries inside a quart sized bag and remove it from your bag at the security checkpoint for additional screening.
If you have the TSA PreCheck you don’t need to remove all your toiletries in the security point, or the agent will ask for additional screening.
What Size Toothpaste Can You Take On a Plane?
Carry-on baggage
If you decide to take only a carry-on bag and keep everything handy during your flight, travel sized toothpastes of no more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less is a good idea.
If you are going for a short trip you can take several 0.85 oz toothpastes (Amazon link) and they will just do the job, in addition you will also save space for other toiletries.
Make sure that you don’t place any non toiletries inside your toiletry bag, that may eat some space for essential items on your bag.
How Much Toothpaste Can You Bring In Checked Baggage?
There are no limits to the amount of toothpaste you can bring in checked baggage.
You can pack larger containers more than 3.4 oz (100 ml) inside your checked bag and without even placing them inside a toiletry bag.
The good thing about playing toothpaste in checked baggage, is that you can take more than one full sized container, not only toothpastes but also, any liquid products like shampoo, perfumes etc…
| Toothpaste Type | Carry-on Allowance | Checked Baggage Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoride Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Whitening Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Tartar control Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Sensitivity Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Herbal/Natural Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Children’s Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Gel Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Anti-plaque Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Gum care Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Charcoal Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Baking soda Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| SLS-free Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Enamel strengthening | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Dry mouth Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Organic Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Natural charcoal Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Ayurvedic Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Antibacterial Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Total care Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Extra fresh Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
You can take your toothpaste in either its original container or fill a small one, the container must be less than 3.4 oz or 100 ml when taking them in carry on baggage.
Generally, there is nothing wrong with toothpastes; however the TSA includes them in its 3-1-1liquid rule; and it is advised to stay within the limits and carry a small amount or travel size toothpaste inside a toiletry bag and avoid any inconvenience at the security checkpoint.
Here some tips on how to take your toothpaste on a plane:
- choose the right size (under 100 ml), as the size is the factor for liquids in carry on.
- If you can travel with the original container that will be a good idea, because the airport security agent will quickly identify the item without a manual or additional inspection.
Shop now and Keep your teeth clean (Amazon links):
Why Is Toothpaste Not Allowed On Airplanes?
The fact that some passenger think that toothpaste is not allowed on planes is not correct.
The TSA does only limit the amount of toothpaste in carry-on baggage.
And not juts toothpaste anything that you can pour, pump, spread, squeeze, smear, spray, or spill is considered a liquid and must follow the 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less rule, and apparently toothpastes can be squeezed.
The reason of banning large quantity of liquids like toothpaste is for security reasons, terrorist attacks or bad guys can use those kind of liquids to made or hide an explosive.
So don’t take it personal it is just for safety and the security of the passengers a and the aircraft.
There are attempts that involve liquids, acids or explosives that the security can not detect if they are in large quantities, so the TSA and other security tend to ban taking more than a personal use on board the airplanes.
Can I Use My Toothpaste On a Plane To Brush My Teeth?
Yes.
You can brush your teeth on your flight, and it is advised to clean and rinse your mouth especially if you have a meal or eat sugary foods.
it is even preferable to brush your teeth twice on long haul flights, (like US to Australia, or China to Canada)
Bye-Bye Quart-Sized Baggie For TSA!!
There is a trend of toothpaste tablet on Amazon among travelers, because you can take any amount of tablets on carry-on baggage and on planes without any limits.
A traveler says about the tablet toothpaste “These are part of my standard conference travel packing. I use a single hard-case suitcase that fits in an overhead bin, and the only thing I hate worse than checking a bag is having to fish out a baggie of liquids for inspection by the TSA. So I pack these for toothpaste, use the hotel products for other hygiene needs (conditioner makes for great shaving cream), and never worry about it. My bag stays closed, one less thing to meddle with.“
Final Thoughts On Taking Toothpaste On a Plane.
You can bring toothpaste on planes but in certain limits.
When you pack toothpaste in carry-on ensure that the tubes are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and placed inside a quart-sized bag.
There are no limitations on toothpaste in checked baggage.
And If you are traveling to a place where you know there are no toiletries or you will need to pay some extra money to get your toothpaste, it may be smart to pack an extra tube of toothpaste in your checked baggage, especially if local shops are difficult to find or you don’t like a certain brand.
People also ask:
- Can I bring perfume on a plane?
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- Can you Bring an Electric Razor on a plane?
- Can you take hair spray on a plane?
- Can You Bring Mouthwash On A Plane?
- Can You Bring Floss On A Plane?
