The Best Toothbrush for Traveling

What Are the Benefits of a Travel Toothbrush?

Easier to Carry

As the name suggests, a travel toothbrush is designed to function on the go. Therefore, they’re typically smaller and lighter than regular toothbrushes. Some of the best travel toothbrushes are foldable and pack away so small that you’ll never struggle to fit them in your luggage. Electric travel toothbrushes are also much more slimline than their stationary cousins, and the best include a travel case. Not only does this make them easier to carry, but it also protects the bristles from damage.

Prevent Bacterial Contamination

Another significant advantage that travel toothbrushes have over regular ones is that they’re a lot more hygienic. Their bristles are never exposed to other luggage items since travel toothbrushes are either folded up or stored in a case. When you’re on the road, your clothes and other items can easily pick up bacteria that can soon settle on your toothbrush. This can cause all manner of dental health problems if you’re not careful.

Less Chance of Mold

Simply packing your regular toothbrush in a plastic bag can also be a bad idea. A warm, damp, and dark environment is the perfect breeding ground for mold. It doesn’t take long for pink or orange mold to start to grow on your toothbrush, either. The right travel toothbrush eliminates this risk by providing a ventilated case, and the best options offer features such as silver infused bristles.

Avoid Picking up the Wrong Type Locally

It’s true that toothbrushes are relatively cheap and quickly picked up anywhere in the world. Buying locally also removes the issues mentioned above. However, you can’t be sure that you’ll find a toothbrush that is kind to your teeth and gums. Cheap options often have hard bristles and oversized heads that can scrape enamel from your teeth and can lead to bleeding gums. With your travel toothbrush, you get to choose what type works for you, essential if you have particular dental needs.

How to Choose the Best Travel Toothbrush

Portable toothbrushes come in all shapes and sizes, and finding the best one for you can be tricky if you haven’t done your research. Fortunately, that’s why you’re here! Read on to learn about the key features of the perfect travel toothbrush.

Portability

The right travel toothbrush must be easier to carry around the world than a regular one. For manual toothbrushes, look for foldable options that encase the bristles entirely while providing ventilation. An excellent electric travel toothbrush should come with a sturdy case.

Durability

The more moving parts a toothbrush has, the more risk that it can break. So, with foldable and electric toothbrushes, look for high-quality materials and build. If a toothbrush has a replaceable head, it’s essential to ensure the body is tough enough to last for years.

Sustainability

Most toothbrushes are made from plastic which is sturdy and durable. However, if you’re replacing it every three months, that soon adds up to a lot of waste. You can find well-made wooden manual toothbrushes if you’re conscious of your carbon footprint. Alternatively, toothbrushes with interchangeable heads also create less waste. An increasing number of toothbrushes are now being made from recycled materials as well. Try to avoid one-use disposable ones, as these tend to be inefficient as well as wasteful.

Head Size

The size of the head is another thing to think about when choosing your travel toothbrush. Not only is a smaller head easier to pack away, but it is also considered more effective for all-round cleaning. It can reach behind your teeth far easier than a large-headed toothbrush and get to those hard-to-reach areas.

Soft vs. Hard Bristles

Toothbrush bristles come in various forms. Soft bristles are generally considered the best for sensitive teeth as they are far gentler on your teeth and gums. They can also reach nooks and crannies that harder bristles aren’t able to, aiding in plaque removal. Hard bristles can be a little rough, causing receding gums, bleeding, and worn enamel. Medium bristles find a middle ground and are a good option if you find that soft bristles aren’t very effective.

Additional Cleaning Features

Orthodontist problems are wicked at the best of times, but while traveling, they can soon become a nightmare. Therefore, it’s crucial to select a travel toothbrush that accommodates your particular needs. If you wear braces, a cheap, hard-bristled toothbrush can easily cause damage to the wires, which can be expensive and troublesome to repair.

Travel Case

A great portable toothbrush needs a great travel case unless, of course, you opt for a foldable toothbrush. The case should be sturdy, spacious, and also have adequate ventilation to prevent bacterial growth.

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes

Personal preference will typically dictate whether you go for a manual toothbrush or an electric one. Both have their advantages, so let’s see how they compare.

Your Basics Shop Bamboo Toothbrush Set

Ideal for eco-friendly travelers, these manual bamboo toothbrushes are relatively simple. With a sleek travel case, they’re also light, durable, and easy to pack. This 4-pack includes different colored cases for easier identification.

Pros

Wheat straw travel case: sustainable, lightweight, and durable, the case is also breathable, reducing bacteria growth. The case can also fit a travel-sized tube of toothpaste

Light: the case and toothbrush together weigh in at just over 1 oz, so you barely notice they’re there.

Soft, durable bristles: made from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), the bristles are less absorbent than nylon, which increases their lifespan. They’re also thinner, enhancing the cleaning power.

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Cons

HIEIE Sonic Electric Toothbrush

This is an excellent electric option that contains all you need to get going. USB charging, a travel case, two replaceable heads, and long battery life make this a great choice. Ideal for couples, you can buy black and white heads so you know whose is which.

Pros

Fifteen different treatments: it offers five main modes, including clean, polish, whitening, sensitive, and gum massage. Besides, a power adjustment button allows three brushing strengths for each mode.

2-minute timer: with a short pause every 30 seconds to advise that you’ve been cleaning each quadrant of your mouth for long enough and can move to the next section.

Completely waterproof: easy to clean the entire body.

USB charged battery: 7-10 hour charge life ensures up to 30-days of twice-daily brushing.

Sturdy case: fits the body and two heads and packs up smaller and lighter than most electric toothbrushes.

Replaceable heads: no need to buy a new toothbrush every three months, simply swap the head out. It’s also great for couples or groups.

Affordable: far cheaper than similar products, such as Philips Sonicare.

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Cons

Radius Tour Travel Toothbrush

The Radius Travel Brush is an extremely compact toothbrush. It is, therefore, an excellent option for those looking to pack ultra-light. The toothbrush is available as single pieces, or in 3 and 6 packs, and comes in a variety of colors.

Pros

Ultra-compact: the foldable design allows the head to jack-knife into the body. While the toothbrush is 9” when extended, it packs up to about 5” when folded.

No need for a travel case: the bristles are entirely encased when folded, while ventilation prevents bacterial growth.

Lightweight: at just 0.16oz, you’ll hardly know it’s there.

Reusable body: the heads can be swapped out, reducing waste.

Eco-friendly: the body is made from 100% wood-based bioplastic, while the bristles are made from vegetable-based nylon. Free from BPA, phthalates, lead, and latex.

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Cons

Mouthwatchers Dr. Plotka’s Folding Travel Toothbrush

While the name is a bit of a mouthful, this is the perfect choice for those concerned with hygiene. The patented design offers unrivaled protection while you’re on your travels and the 2-pack is great for couples.

Pros

Foldable design: these pack up small and don’t require an additional travel case. The brush is 9” extended, and around 5” when folded. The bristles are completely encased when packed away.

Top hygiene: the bristles are infused with natural silver, which kills 99% of all bacteria that may appear on your brush within 6 hours. Each time you brush, you can be sure of sterile bristles.

Extreme clean: a double layer of ultra-thin bristles (10x thinner than regular nylon bristles) ensure you reach every nook and cranny.

Durable: soft yet firm, the polyester bristles outlast traditional nylon bristles by up to 34%.

Comfortable grip: ensures you’ll never drop it in a communal bathroom.

Easy to clean: the design allows you to easily clean the toothbrush inside and out, preventing a buildup of gunk.

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Cons

Violife VS2T703 Slim Sonic Toothbrush

Slim, stylish, and simple, the Violife sonic toothbrush slips into your toiletries bag effortlessly and looks great.

Pros

Compact: measuring just 6.5” when packed, it’s slimline and will fit in any toiletries bag. The vented lid simply pulls off.

Battery-powered: a single AAA battery keeps this toothbrush powered. Just remember to carry spares when exploring remote locations.

Attractive design: a sleek and stylish design that is available in numerous colors and patterns.

Waterproof: wash your entire toothbrush without worrying about the battery or motor.

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Cons