Ask the Rabbi
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Medicine and Lifesaving
- General Questions
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Various Subjects
- Cleaning and Hygiene
Question
What is the Issur with brushing ones teeth on Shabbat?
Also is ordinary tooth paste allowed on Shabbat?
Answer
There are two issues that have to be addressed,
The first is causing bleeding from the gums; you have to make sure that brushing will not cause bleeding.
The second issue is smearing the paste which is a problem according to many Halachic authorities and can be avoided by using a liquid tooth wash.

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