Despite there being an array of toothbrushes available to buy, it remains the case that there is not one go-to manual or electric toothbrush which you must have when you travel.
A toothbrush is necessary for traveling, but depending on your situation, like if you go hiking through South America for half a year. You will most certainly need a completely different toothbrush to somebody enjoying a break on a state of the art cruise liner.
Our Favorite Travel Electric Toothbrushes
Below are our top 5 picks for the best electric toothbrushes suitable for traveling, and each choice is justified in as much detail possible.
1. Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 Gum Health, Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush with Pressure Sensor
The Phillips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 takes the top spot in our list; it is a brilliant electric toothbrush that boasts a sleek design, feels great to hold, and, most importantly, brushes the teeth perfectly.
This toothbrush features a 2-minute timer to ensure that you brush for the right amount of time every time, a 30-second pacer, and an ingrained pressure sensor to alert you if you brush too hard.
The toothbrush comes with a travel case, which is ideal for protecting both the brush and heads when stored in a bag/suitcase; in addition to this, the battery can last for up to a staggering five weeks, meaning that you needn’t worry about taking a charger with you.
Given that this toothbrush is not specifically designed for travel purposes, you shouldn’t expect it to be as compact as others on the list. If you’re a backpacker, you may want to consider other options. That being said, the somewhat circular travel case enables users to slip it into their bag effortlessly.
Finally, the Phillips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 51000 is excellent value for the money and most certainly won’t break the bank, especially compared to similar options that are far pricier. This makes it our best travel electric toothbrush and all around electric toothbrush.
2. Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart 9300 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart Electric Toothbrush is the most luxurious electric toothbrush available to buy, and if you’re a person who loves to posses only the best, this brush is an ideal choice.
The electric toothbrush features a wide array of attributes that meet everyone’s needs, ranging from those with basic oral needs to those who have more sophisticated requirements.
Despite the brush being neither inexpensive nor small, it can be charged in its case thanks to the built-in USB cable.
The DiamondClean Smart features the same travel case as the other Philips brush on this list, and you can expect several weeks of battery life thanks to the powerful lithium-ion battery.
Furthermore, the travel case is large enough to store 2 additional heads is available in various color choices. With the long battery life and great travel case, it’s definitely very close to being the top travel electric toothbrush on our list, coming in at 2nd.
3. Quip Electric Toothbrush Electric Brush and Travel Cover Mount – Frustration Free Packaging
The Quip toothbrush, which can be purchased both on Amazonor here via the Quip website, is amongst the most compact and is most certainly the most portable brush on this list and is ideal for those who only take what they need when traveling.
Many of the Quip toothbrushes are loved, although I did not feel that the brushing experience was comparable to more well-known options such as Oral-B and Sonicare.
Nevertheless, the sleek design of the Quip toothbrush makes it ideal for most travelers. The brush holder can also be used as a travel cup, so the Quip brush is only marginally more extensive than a regular manual brush. It can be comfortably stored in a jacket pocket or potentially a trouser pocket.
The Quip toothbrush is undoubtedly the most portable electric toothbrush available, and users can expect a maximum of 3 months’ usage before replacing the single AAA battery. Furthermore, the brush features any electric brush’s essentials, including a 120 second timer and a pacer. The brush also comes in 2 options, the standard plastic version or a more executive metal version.
Despite the Quip brush not providing the best possible brushing experience, one cannot argue with its value for the money, especially considering the possibility of subscribing for the supply or substitute of brush heads. Again, as electric toothbrushes go, it’s not the best, but for the money, it brings a lot of value as one of the best travel electric toothbrushes.
4. Oral-B Smart 1500 Power Rechargeable Electric Tooth-Brush
The Oral-B Pro 1500 falls a little short for us because it is a travel electric toothbrush that isn’t accompanied by a travel case. Nevertheless, it isn’t challenging to find an alternative case to use for it.
Of course you can’t talk about a tooth brush electrical or otherwise without bringing Oral B into the discussion. This one is famous for its smaller brush head and reliability.
This travel electric toothbrush is generous to the touch and is amongst the most practical on the list, providing you with only the features you are guaranteed to use. The Oral- B Pro 1500 electric toothbrushis a cheaper travel brush option, yet it isn’t less expensive as some of the other Oral-B electric brushes.
The Pro 1500Travel Electric Toothbrush features a lithium-ion battery that ensures over two weeks of usage after every charge. With small circular brush heads being regarded for their cleaning power, that is also the case with 1500, a brilliant brush to use.
Essential Travel Electric Toothbrush Information for those Traveling Abroad
You will be pleased to know that most nations that feature 120V electric supply make use of regular A and B design plugs, thus ensuring that you can take your frequent charging stand along with you to most countries around the world. With popular vacation choices such as Canada, Mexico, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Costa Rica, all using the same power plugs and electrical supply as those in the United States.
However, before traveling, it would be sensible to check such information given how there are some exceptions, in which case a socket/plug converter may be necessary to ensure that you can supply electricity to your charging stand.
Different power voltage abroad
Here’s where things get tricky. To help clarify, here is some context.
Every year, millions of Americans travel to Europe for holidays; however, the European power supply significantly differs to that of the US, this is because, generally amongst most countries in the continent, the voltage stands at 220-240V, with the design of the plugs also being different to those of the US.
Inland nations such as Portugal, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain use the 2-pin plug type C and F, whereas, in the United Kingdom, a completely different plug type is called type G.
Therefore, if you plan to take your electric toothbrush charger abroad with you, you must ensure that it is compatible with both the plug type and your holiday destination’s voltage.
Luckily, the charging stands of most Philips Sonicare electric brushes are compatible with 100-240V, meaning that the stand is suited for the alternate voltage; therefore, you need to purchase a plug adapter to enable you to charge your toothbrush abroad.
However, Oral-B products’ charging stands only accommodate 110-130V, meaning that such charger isn’t suitable for use within Europe without a voltage and plug adapter to help convert the power to a voltage which the stand can use.
Generally, the voltage in which a charging stand supports is clearly indicated at the bottom of the frame itself; therefore, you must check this before going abroad.
Therefore, for Americans going on holiday to Europe, you must purchase a ‘step down’ converter; this converts the European voltage to a lower level enabling your stand to become compatible with the voltage and charge your toothbrush.
The Foval Step-Down 220V to 110V Voltage Converter is an ideal choice; this converter, equipped with 4 USB ports, provides plug adapters and voltage converters, making it a convenient option.
Why Choosing the Right Travel Electric Toothbrush is So Important
Regardless of when you’ll be traveling or where you’ll be traveling, you can’t compromise on your oral health. You can undoubtedly compromise on other traveling items, like your clothes, shoes, and toiletries, but you should never try to shortcut or even forget about your oral hygiene while traveling.
Regardless of whether you’re taking a long vacation with your family or perhaps a short business trip by yourself, it’s vitally important to your continued good health that you never take shortcuts with your dental hygiene. Sure, sometimes we don’t take our best suit or dress-shoes when traveling, and we might even pick up some cheaper toiletries to make do for a week or two. Still, your everyday dental hygiene cannot be negotiated on – it’s so essential to your general well-being that it cannot be ignored or compromised.
While you’re away from home, you need to take the right toothbrush with you to ensure your ongoing dental health is always taken care of. Once you have started using electric toothbrushes, it’s hard to switch back to ordinary ones. So a travel electric toothbrush becomes necessary!
Do Your Research Before You Leave Home
We suggest that, before traveling, you plan ahead and do your research on the right type of electric brush for teeth for your specific oral hygiene needs. It’s not as simple as buying a toothbrush at your local supermarket before leaving for your trip. You certainly shouldn’t plan on buying one when you reach your destination, because either of these options can result in no toothbrush at all, or a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard or a toothbrush head that’s too big.
If you’re used to using a medium or hard bristle toothbrush, are you aware that you’re probably eroding the enamel on your teeth? Besides, this type of toothbrush can damage your gums, so if you’re relying on purchasing a toothbrush when you reach your destination, you could very well end up with a brush that’s damaging to your teeth and gums.
Good Oral Hygiene Is Even More Important When Travelling
Oral hygiene is vitally important to your good health, and having the right travel toothbrush is just part of maintaining good hygiene. Obviously, you want to protect yourself from unwanted bacteria and germs, especially when you’re traveling, because the last thing you need is to become ill in a foreign country while you’re away from home.
Electric Travel toothbrushes have been specifically designed to prevent the risk of mold growth and bacterial contamination. This is especially important when traveling because your toothbrush will be packed in very close proximity to the rest of your luggage. Any or all of which could be contaminated with a range of dangerous bacteria and germs.
Purchasing the right kind of travel electric toothbrush for your travels also comes down to ease of transport. A regular, full-size toothbrush can take up unnecessary space, whereas travel toothbrushes have been designed to be either folded or stored compactly to fit in your luggage easily.
Another bonus with compact toothbrushes when you’re traveling is that, even when you’re not on the move, a compact toothbrush can be easily stored in your work bag. A toothbrush is an essential part of your travel kit; it allows you to keep your teeth clean and white, freshen your breath, and make a great first impression. You’ll feel comfortable wherever you are, knowing that your toothbrush is right by your side. And, you never know when you’ll need your toothbrush – at least it will always be with you to ensure your teeth and breath are consistently fresh.
As you can see, there are many reasons why you need to invest in a travel toothbrush that’s right for you. Let’s now look at the different types of toothbrushes and see why not all travel toothbrushes are equal – there’s undoubtedly a travel toothbrush that’s more suited to your needs than other toothbrushes.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of a Good Travel Electric Toothbrush
Practicing good dental hygiene is essential to preserving a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums; it also enhances your appearance and improves your quality of life. And it’s not just about maintaining your teeth; good dental hygiene can also prevent several serious diseases.
So when you’re traveling, don’t overlook how important it is to practice good dental hygiene while away from home.
What Kind of Trip Are You Taking?
Your choice of toothbrush will ultimately depend on the kind of trip you’re taking. For example, what are your reasons for traveling, the duration of your journey, and what mode of transport will you be taking? Taking these factors into consideration, let’s now look at the ideal toothbrush for your trip.
Foldable or Non-Foldable Toothbrush
If you’re used to using a manual foldable toothbrush when traveling, make sure your toothbrush of choice fully encompasses the bristles when it’s folded; it also requires a certain amount of ventilation to discourage mold growth. The bristles on your toothbrush head must not be exposed to contamination, meaning they should not be allowed to come into contact with any other materials, even if these materials are your own.
If your preference is to use a full-size non-folding toothbrush when traveling, we strongly suggest you purchase a travel case with vents, in addition to a UV light sanitizer. This will help prevent the growth of mold and bacteria and protect your toothbrush from contaminates. If you’re shelling out for the best travel electric toothbrush, you might as well get a good case to go with it!
Can’t Live Without Your Electric Toothbrush?
If your electric toothbrush travels with you wherever you go, make sure that yours has a long battery life, preferably over two weeks. This way, you won’t have to bring your toothbrush charger with you or look for a compatible outlet to plug in your toothbrush. Of course, if you’re traveling for longer than two weeks, you may need to bring your charger.
Other Important Toothbrush Features
Bristles: Ideally, your toothbrush will have bristles soft enough for effective cleaning and personal comfort. While many people prefer a toothbrush with stiff bristles, they may not be aware that a toothbrush with soft bristles cleans just as effectively as one with stiff bristles, but without the harshness that can lead to tooth sensitivity and receding gums. A toothbrush with soft bristles can clean your teeth and remove plaque very effectively.
Perhaps you’re concerned that using a soft toothbrush won’t effectively clean your teeth? If this is the case, we suggest you evaluate your brushing technique. You must angle the toothbrush to ensure the bristles move towards your gum line, then gently brush your teeth with circular strokes. Very little pressure is required to clean your teeth efficiently – it’s all about technique.
Head: Research has proven that a smaller toothbrush head cleans more effectively than a toothbrush with a more massive head. The reason is that the little head makes it easier to reach to the back and behind your teeth, while the smaller bristles have easier access to the many indents in your teeth.
Additional Cleaning Features
If you have sensitive teeth or gums or wear braces on your teeth, make a point of choosing a travel toothbrush with the unique features that will accomplish your dental hygiene needs. We all know how expensive orthodontic treatments can be, so you don’t want to risk damaging your braces simply because you used the wrong toothbrush while traveling.
Does Your Electric Toothbrush Comply with Travel Regulations?
If your dental care comes in a travel kit, make sure that the toothpaste tube complies with airline regulations, enabling you to take the kit in your carry-on. Now that you’ve researched and chosen the best electric toothbrush for your travel needs, you certainly don’t want it to be confiscated at the airport.
