TSA Cracks Down On Unexpected Travel Item: Your Toothbrush

Recently, the TSA has instituted many new rules and regulations regarding items and luggage. Frequent flyers probably know what items they can and cannot pack into checked luggage. Since 2008, the TSA has enforced restrictions to lithium-ion batteries, where uninstalled or loose batteries were not permitted in checked luggage. This is due to the risk of lithium battery fires. Earlier this year, TSA announced bans on certain cordless flat irons and curling irons in checked luggage. With the TSA regularly updating their restrictions, a recent common household item has entered their list.

The TSA now requires electric toothbrushes with lithium batteries to travel in carry-on bags only. This rule applies to any toothbrush with built-in lithium-ion or lithium-metal cells. Spare batteries must also stay in the cabin with carry-on luggage. This is to be able to mitigate hidden fires, which can wreak havoc in the checked luggage. The cabin crew can quickly attend to any battery fire emergencies if devices remain visible in the cabin. Passengers who pack these items in checked bags may face delays or confiscation at security checkpoints.

TSA posted on X warning airplane travelers about electric toothbrushes. They have issued a warning to customers to pack electric toothbrushes with installed lithium batteries in carry-on bags. TSA also emphasized that any spare or uninstalled lithium batteries should be packed into carry-on luggage. The agency further added “Any spare or uninstalled lithium batteries must be placed in a carry-on bag.” On Instagram, TSA used Gen Z slang and playful stated: “Tooth be told, you should place any item with a lithium metal or lithium-ion battery in a carry-on bag.”

The primary reason for the ban comes down to the batteries. Since 2008, TSA has implemented restrictions on lithium-ion batteries due to checked luggage cabin fire risks. Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway when damaged, overcharged, or overheated. This process generates temperatures exceeding 1,832 °F (1,000 °C) and releases toxic gases.

Non-rechargeable lithium-metal batteries pose similar hazards but typically store less energy. When a battery cell fails, it can ignite surrounding materials rapidly. Halon fire extinguishers can suppress flames temporarily but cannot stop thermal runaway making these fires difficult to stop. Flight crews must use large amounts of water to cool batteries and prevent re-ignition.

Checked bags face compression, jostling, and temperature changes that could possibly trigger the device or battery. Compromised battery cells become more susceptible to short-circuiting and increasing potential risk of fires. At cruising altitude, reduced air pressure can further destabilize lithium batteries. Hidden fires in cargo holds may burn undetected until smoke reaches passenger areas, making prevention near impossible.

The FAA recorded 50 lithium battery incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat on U.S. flights in 2025. On August 5, a passenger’s cellphone overheated on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Madrid. The device caused smoke in the cabin, injured the passenger, and damaged the aircraft floor. In July, a laptop emitted smoke on a Chicago to Portland flight, forcing a diversion to Wyoming. Cabin crews contained both incidents using water and thermal bags. These events prompted the FAA to issue a formal safety alert to airlines.

Popular toothbrush brands that use rechargeable lithium-ion cells include Philips Sonicare, Oral-B, Colgate, Waterpik, Fairywill, AquaSonic, Quip, and Burst. Oral-B Pro Series models feature lithium-ion batteries lasting up to 14 days per charge. Philips Sonicare DiamondClean uses lithium-ion cells for extended battery life. Even models powered by removable lithium-metal AA batteries require cabin stowage when cells are installed.

In the growing list of items on the TSA’s list, electric toothbrushes join laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, drones, and power banks. E-cigarettes, rechargeable shavers, headphones, and spare battery packs are also required to be packed in carry-on luggage. The FAA prohibits damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries in both carry-on and checked luggage. Devices must be completely powered off and protected from accidental activation when packed.

Passengers should make sure their electric toothbrushes are powered off before packing them in their carry-on luggage. Only use the original manufacturer cases or protective covers to shield battery contacts from damage. Place spare batteries in individual protective covers or in their original packaging to prevent short-circuiting. Most airlines allow lithium-ion cells up to 100 watt-hours without any special approval. Larger batteries may require airline notification or pre-approval before travel.

Electric toothbrushes now require carry-on placement due to lithium battery fire risks in aviation. With 50 documented incidents in 2025 alone, regulators prioritize passenger safety over packing convenience. If a fire does break out, flight attendants can respond to the incident immediately in the cabin. By following TSA guidelines and packing responsibly, travelers contribute to safer air travel for everyone.

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