Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash will remove food debris and leave it clean and fresh in the go, but can you bring Mouthwash on a plane? and how much mouthwash you can carry on a plane?
Here is the short answer. Yes, you can bring mouthwash on a plane, but in carry-on bags, it must be in a container of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less and placed inside a single, quart-sized, clear plastic bag. Larger bottles are allowed in checked luggage without any limits.
Keep reading to learn more about traveling with mouthwash in both carry-on and checked baggage in domestic and international fights.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
You can bring mouthwash on a plane, but in carry-on luggage each container needs to be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less and fit inside a quart-size bag.
You can place larger bottles in your checked luggage without real quantity limits.
The same rules are applied to International flights for cary-on and checked bags.
Prescription or medical mouthwash may be allowed in larger amounts if declared.
The TSA does not specifically mention mouthwash on its website, but they have a general rule about liquids.
But I checked X for more clarification and to see if there are any hidden rules, and here is what I found.
Kyle needed to know if mouthwash in a 3.2 oz / 94.63 ml bottle is permitted in her carry-on bag.
The TSA customer service replied: you can bring your mouthwash through the security checkpoint and in carry-on baggage in bottles that are 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, and packed inside a quart-sized bag.
This is also a screenshot for Aliases who wanted to know if her lotion and mouthwash are good to go in her carry-on bag or personal item (backpack).
Generally, the TSA does not regulate what bag to use or where to place your items (in a backpack or suitcase), but they do recommend properly organizing your items, making them easy to reach and speeding up the screening process.
“Toiletries must be in containers that are 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in carry-on bags. You are allowed to take as many travel-sized liquids as can fit into a single quart-sized zip-top bag. Larger containers need to be placed in a checked bag,” they replied.
But if you have a prescription from your doctor, you can take more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml containers. Just ensure that you present the doctor’s note so the security agent knows the reason why you are exceeding the allowed limits.
If you do not want to bother yourself with airport liquid rules, you can just take mouthwash tablets, or it may be much more convenient to simply buy mouthwash at your destination.
Mouthwash (Brand / Name)
Typical size
Allowed in carry-on
Allowed in checked baggage
Listerine Cool Mint (travel size)
3.2 oz / 95 ml
Yes
Yes
Listerine Cool Mint (full size)
16.9 oz / 500 ml
No
Yes
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse (travel)
3 oz / 88 ml
Yes
Yes
TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse (full)
16 oz / 473 ml
No
Yes
Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash (travel)
3.3 oz / 97 ml
Yes
Yes
Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash (large)
1 L / 33.8 oz
No
Yes
Colgate Plax Mouthwash (travel)
3 oz / 90 ml
Yes
Yes
Colgate Plax Mouthwash (standard)
500 ml / 16.9 oz
No
Yes
ACT Anticavity Fluoride Rinse (travel)
3 oz / 90 ml
Yes
Yes
ACT Anticavity Rinse (full size)
18 oz / 532 ml
No
Yes
Generic mouthwash (any brand, travel bottle)
3.4 oz / 100 ml
Yes
Yes
Generic mouthwash (any brand, large bottle)
3.4 oz / 100 ml
No
Yes
Can you bring mouthwash in checked luggage?
There are no limits to the amount of mouthwash you can bring in checked baggage, whether it is Listerine, TheraBreath, or any other brand.
Do not worry you can pack full-sized mouthwash bottles larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml in checked baggage.
Even though most mouthwash liquids contain alcohol, you won’t face any problems.
Alcohol with less than 24% alcohol content is allowed in checked bags with no quantity limitations.
Can You Bring Mouthwash On An International Flight?
Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash
Traveling with mouthwash on international flights is almost the same as domestic flights. They must be in containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml (volume) or less, or 100 grams (weight), along with other toiletries.
The containers need to fit and be packed in a transparent 1-liter resealable zip-top bag, which is also known as a quart-sized bag.
There aren’t any restrictions for checked luggage, so you can bring large containers to your destination, but not for commercial use.
Final Thoughts
According to the (ADA) American Dental Association, therapeutic mouthrinses can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay, which is why they’re commonly included in travel toiletry kits.
But because mouthwash is a liquid, the same rules that apply to toiletries also applied to them.
you can only bring bottles of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in carry-on / hand luggage.
For checked baggage, you don’t need to worry about the amount or even the size of your bottle, though it should be reasonable and for personal use.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
Please share the answer if you find it helpful.
FAQs About Bringing Mouthwash On Planes
Can you bring mouthwash that contains alcohol in carry-on?
Yes. TSA does not ban alcohol-based mouthwash. It is allowed as long as each container is 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less and fits inside your quart sized bag.
Will TSA confiscate mouthwash if it’s slightly over 3.4 oz / 100Ml?
Yes, most likely. TSA follows the container size, this means if your bottle size is 4 oz / 118 ml and you want to tell the security that it is only filed with 3.4 oz / 100 ml of mouthwash, they will not accept it.
Does mouthwash need to be in its original bottle?
No. You don’t need to take mouthwash in its original packaging, but it must be in a clearly labeled travel-size container of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
Do you need to take mouthwash out at airport security?
Yes. You will need to take mouthwash along with any other toiletries from your carry-on bag during screening.
What happens if you forget a large bottle of mouthwash in your carry-on?
If it exceeds the allowed size, TSA will usually confiscate it at security. You will not be fined, but you will lose the item.
Can you bring mouthwash through international customs?
Yes, for personal use it is generally allowed. Small travel-sized bottles are fine. Large quantities may be questioned by customs.
Is medicated or prescription mouthwash exempt from liquid rules?
It can be exempt if medically necessary. You may be allowed larger quantities, but you should declare it and bring a prescription or doctor’s note.
Can mouthwash leak in checked luggage? How do you prevent it?
Yes, it can leak due to pressure changes. To prevent this, make sure the cap is tightly closed, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and wrap it in clothing for protection.
Are mouthwash tablets allowed on planes?
Yes. Mouthwash tablets are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags because they are solid, not liquid.
Can you use mouthwash during a flight?
Yes, but only in the airplane lavatory. You can use it like any other toiletry product during the flight.
Can you bring Listerine on a plane?
Yes, you can bring Listerine in carry-on as long as it follows the 3.4 oz / 100 ml rule, or in any size if packed in checked baggage.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
