It is important to keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh while traveling.
So you might be curious how much toothpaste can you bring with you on a plane?
According to TSA regulations, you can only pack tubes of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in carry-on baggage inside a quart sized bag, while you can pack any size of toothpaste in checked bags.
In this post I will answer all your questions about taking toothpaste on planes and other dental care products, like toothbrushes and similar items on planes.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR:
- Toothpaste is classified as a liquid by the (TSA) Transportation Security Administration so it needs to adhere to the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
- You can pack regular toothpaste in carry-on bag but only in tubes of 3.4oz (100ml) or less placed in a quart sized bag.
- You can pack any size of toothpaste in checked luggage.
- Medical necessary items like prescription toothpaste are exempted from the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, they can be in container of more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml
- Consider other forms of toothpastes, like tablets or powder as other option when flying.
Toothpaste TSA Rules
The TSA does allow toothpaste through the security checkpoint and in carry-on bags.
But toothpaste is considered a liquid in the eyes of the TSA, that is why they limit the amount you can take in on board the airplane to 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less for each container.
Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.
I also looked into their social media to find more answers.
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 are a TSA PreCheck member you don’t have to remove any toiletries at the security checkpoint.
Does TSA Allow Toothpaste In Carry-on?
Yes, as long as it is within the TSA guidelines.
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.
You can pack as your toiletry bag takes of 0.85 oz toothpastes (Amazon link) and they will just do the job.
Make sure that you don’t place any non toiletries inside your toiletry bag, that may eat some space for other essential toiletries on your bag.
| Toothpaste Type | Carry-on Allowance | Checked Baggage Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Tartar control 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 |
| 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 |
| Extra fresh Toothpaste | Yes, less than 3.4 oz for each container | No limits |
| Tablet toothpaste | No limits | No limits |
| Dental powders | No limits | No limits |
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…
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 tablets 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 toothpaste tablets, sometimes I use also the hotel toothpaste , 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 take hair spray on a plane?
- Can You Bring Mouthwash On A Plane?
- Can You Bring Floss On A Plane?
