Are you on your way to enjoy a much-needed vacation? Or, are you headed to an important business opportunity in another city?
Whatever your reason is for traveling, you’ll have to pass through airport security to make it to your destination.
As you may already know, airport security has tight rules and regulations about the types and amounts of certain items that you can bring: Shampoo, shaving cream, and – you guessed it – toothpaste.
So, if you’re wondering how to get your favorite toothpaste on the plane, this guide aims to answer your burning questions.
We’ve decided to split this article into two sections: carry-on luggage and checked luggage, to ensure that you can achieve your brightest smile no matter your bags.
Let’s begin!
Understanding TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule for Toothpaste and Liquids
When you arrive at the airport security checkpoint, every TSA officer follows the same “3-1-1” standard for liquids, aerosols, and gels. The rule states that all containers must be 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters (often written as 3.4 oz = 100 mL) or smaller, and they must fit comfortably in one clear, quart-sized bag that one passenger may bring through screening. Toothpaste—because it’s considered a gel—falls under this regulation just like shampoo or lotion.
Key points to remember:
- 3 – Size limit: Each bottle, tube, or stick of paste or gel must be 3.4 oz or less.
- 1 – Bag limit: All eligible liquids, gels, and aerosols go in one transparent, resealable plastic bag.
- 1 – Person: Each traveler may carry one such bag in their carry-on bags; additional quantities belong in checked baggage.
- Exemptions exist for medications, baby/infant food, and breast milk—but you must declare these items to the officer.
- Anything larger than the size limit—or any overflow bag—must move to your checked bags or risk confiscation.
Carry-on Luggage
The Transportation Security Administration (also known as TSA) has specific rules related to liquids on planes.
Specifically, they adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on luggage. What is the 3-1-1 rule, you ask?
All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less. Then, all containers must be placed in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag, and each traveler is allowed to carry one of these bags.
Once you reach the TSA checkpoint and are asked to remove all shoes, jackets, belts, electronics, etc., take your liquids bag out of your carry-on and place it in a bin with all of your other belongings.
If you do not remove your resealable bag, or if you don’t adhere to the guidelines, you run the risk of having your items confiscated and disposed of at the airport. You may even miss your flight if the search process takes too long!
When traveling, especially internationally, it's a good idea to check with your airline or the appropriate authorities about any unique legislation or limits that may apply to the carriage of liquids in that country or airline.
To avoid the potential consequences of packing incorrectly, take a mini toothpaste with you!
We love Boka’s Travel Size Toothpaste, especially because it contains n-Ha (nano-hydroxyapatite), which can remineralize and fortify teeth after a tiring flight.
If you’re looking for a little something extra, Boka’s Travel Kit comes with the essentials – toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss – all compact and ready to take on the go.
Plus, you can pick from four really cute colors (pink, navy, mint green, white) and three refreshing toothpaste flavors (ela mint, lemon lavender, coco ginger).
What Type of Toothpaste Is Best for Travel?
Frequent fliers often debate which oral care products are easiest to pack under the 1:1 liquids rule. Liquid and gel pastes in standard tubes are perfectly allowed under TSA regulations as long as the tube is 3.4 ounces or smaller. Mini tubes work great for short trips, while reusable 1-oz silicone bottles let you decant your favorite paste—especially handy if you prefer fluoride-free, hydroxyapatite toothpaste that isn’t sold in travel size.
If you want to skip the liquids, gels, and aerosols category entirely, consider solid alternatives: toothpaste tablets, powder, or freeze-dried “dots.” These formats are accepted as solids, so the 3-1-1 restrictions don’t apply. Solid options are lightweight, unlikely to leak, and free of excess water—making them ideal for backpacking or carry-on-only adventures. Just be sure to store the tablets in a small, airtight tin or pill case to keep them clean.
Checked Luggage
If you’re planning to check your luggage, you and your toothpaste are in luck!
There are no size or quantity restrictions for toothpaste in checked luggage. If your container or toothpaste is larger than 3.4 ounces, consider adding it to your check-in luggage and purchasing a small tube to put a travel-sized amount of toothpaste into.
Just remember, checked luggage does have a weight limit, so be sure to weigh your suitcase before checking into your flight.
The weight limit may vary depending on seat class and airline, so visit the airline website to know what your precise checked luggage requirements are.
Tips to Pack Oral Care Products Like a Pro
Even seasoned travelers make simple mistakes that slow them down at the TSA belt. Use the checklist below to keep your smile bright—and your trip stress-free:
- Pre-sort at home – Place all 3.4 oz or smaller containers (toothpaste, mouthwash, hand cream) together in your quart-sized bag before you zip your suitcase.
- Label reusable tubes – If you transfer paste into refillable bottles, write “toothpaste” plus the ounces on the side so a curious TSA officer can see the capacity at a glance.
- Double-seal gels – Prevent mid-flight messes by slipping each paste tube into a snack-size zipper bag; pressure changes can force product out.
- Pack extras in checked baggage – Love your favorite nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste? Bring a full-size backup in your checked suitcase; there’s no limit there except overall weight.
- Carry a back-up solid – Toss a blister strip of tablets into your purse or day-pack. If your flight gets delayed and your main bag is gate-checked, you’ll still have quick-refresh toiletries handy.
Following these strategies ensures you comply with every official TSA 3-1-1 rule while keeping teeth clean, gums healthy, and travel smoother—no emergency airport purchases required!
Brush Up on Travel Rules—Don’t Let TSA Rinse You Out!
As you can see, traveling with your favorite toothpaste is easier than you’d think. You can even bring the full tube!
Boka’s full size range of toothpaste is designed to complement your dental routine.
From whitening regimes to charcoal options, their n-Ha formula includes a range of taste options to suit every palette. Boka has transformed the dental industry to make it more contemporary, sleek, and customizable.
Wishing you and your toothpaste a safe and restful travel journey!