Brushing Teeth on Minor Fast Day

MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS
Advertisements

TRENDING

Advertisements

1 min read

FacebookTwitterLinkedInPrintFriendlyShare

Is one permitted to brush his teeth or use mouthwash on a minor fast day?

The Aish Rabbi Replies

It’s better not to, in part because we are not even supposed to taste food on a fast day, even without swallowing it. Also, if you want to wash your mouth out afterwards, there is always the chance some water would accidentally be swallowed. However, if skipping such activities would cause you significant discomfort, it’s fine to brush or to use mouthwash – especially since toothpaste and mouthwash are not truly edible. It’s better if they can be done without rinsing the mouth out after, but in cases of need that can be done as well. But of course, you have to be very careful not to swallow any water in the process.

Note that this discussion pertains to brushing on minor fast days alone. On Yom Kippur brushing is forbidden for multiple reasons.

(Sources: Shuchan Aruch O.C. 567:3, Mishna Berurah 11, Minchat Yitzchak IV 109).

Click here to comment on this article
guest
1 Comment
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
One Jew's thoughts
One Jew's thoughts
25 days ago

BTW, a very good mouthwash (on non fast days) is coconut oil. It is naturally antibiotic and antiviral. Swish around for at least five minuets - and even better upwards of twenty minutes.
It also makes for a great cream for chapped lips and hands, and for athletes foot. Although the main cause of the itchiness and fungus is junk food - sugar and chemicals.

EXPLORE
LEARN
MORE
Explore
Learn
Resources
Next Steps
About
Donate
Menu
Languages
Menu
Social
.