Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Travel Toothbrush?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

A travel toothbrush is a kind of toothbrush that is compact and can easily be taken on trips. Although most travel toothbrushes are manual, there are some battery-operated toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes that are small enough to travel with easily. It is common for a travel toothbrush to come with its own case. The reason for this is that the case keeps the toothbrush from rubbing against other packed items. This helps to keep the toothbrush clean, but also helps to keep the other items dry if the toothbrush is packed when it is still a bit damp.

Some kinds of travel toothbrushes are designed so that the handle functions as the case. This can work in one of two ways in scenarios involving hollow handles. In one case, the head of the toothbrush is connected to a joint that allows it to flip down and into the handle of the toothbrush. In the other case, the handle of the toothbrush is removable. This means that it can be placed on the bottom of the toothbrush so that it can function as a handle when it is being used and can be fitted over the top of the toothbrush to serve as a covering during travel.

Most air passengers pack their travel toothbrush and other essential toiletries in their carry-on luggage.
Most air passengers pack their travel toothbrush and other essential toiletries in their carry-on luggage.

When traveling, many people who regularly use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush prefer to bring a manual travel toothbrush. This is especially true when people travel by plane and when people travel out of the country. When traveling by plane, it is important to take the batteries out of a toothbrush so that it does not accidentally switch on during travel and cause a disturbance. A vibrating bag is often a serious cause for concern for officials who oversee air travel safety.

It should be easy to purchase a travel toothbrush at a drug store or pharmacy.
It should be easy to purchase a travel toothbrush at a drug store or pharmacy.

When traveling out of the country, it is sometimes necessary to use a converter or adapter to be able to use an electric toothbrush. As such, some people prefer to avoid the complication of traveling with electronic or battery-operated toothbrushes. Instead they choose to use a manual travel toothbrush.

It is quite easy to procure a travel toothbrush. In addition to being sold by companies that specialize in products for travelers, they can also be found at well-stocked drug stores and pharmacies. The same is true for cases that are used to contain regular manual toothbrushes during travel. In most instances, a travel toothbrush is about the same price as a regular manual toothbrush.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

Learn more...
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

irontoenail

@KoiwiGal - That's a good idea, although personally I have a whole bathroom travel kit, so I don't have to worry about that. It's made of plastic and it has special holders for everything, including the toothpaste and brush, as well as special bottles that I can fill with shampoo and conditioner.

Since the case is solid, I don't have to worry about it getting squished in transit, although I suppose enough weight could theoretically crack the case. That hasn't happened so far though.

The only drawback is that it's quite bulky. If you are just going somewhere local and you know that you'll have access to shampoos and things, you might be better off with just a travel toothbrush.

KoiwiGal

One thing you might want to consider instead of getting a travel toothbrush is getting an alternative to toothpaste instead.

I know there are different products now that you can chew, which will clean your teeth for you. There are other ones which you might need to chew which replace the toothpaste but not the toothbrush.

Still, they might be better than traveling with a tube of paste, which might end up getting all over your bag.

anon136931

One of the great sites I have seen. thanks for your information.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Most air passengers pack their travel toothbrush and other essential toiletries in their carry-on luggage.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      Most air passengers pack their travel toothbrush and other essential toiletries in their carry-on luggage.
    • It should be easy to purchase a travel toothbrush at a drug store or pharmacy.
      By: stokkete
      It should be easy to purchase a travel toothbrush at a drug store or pharmacy.