Am I Allowed to Brush My Teeth on Shabbat?

Quiz

1 - Is there a problem with squeezing water?

• No, since the water is not absorbed in the bristles.
• Yes, because the bristles are tightly packed, you will be squeezing liquid and therefore you can’t use even liquid toothpaste and can’t wet it before.
• If you don’t wet it before, using this shouldn’t be any issue.

2 - Is there a way how to brush teeth on Shabbat?

• It’s permitted as long as it’s not an electric toothbrush.
• Since some authorities forbid, if one does brush his teeth on Shabbat, he should use liquid toothpaste, a very soft bristle brush (and not wash it in water).
• It’s always forbidden.

3 - Is it a concern that one may bleed?

• Brushing your teeth can cause the gums to bleed, which is forbidden on Shabbat
• This would be a problem with toothbrushes, especially those with hard bristles.
• It would depend if the person usually doesn’t bleed, there may be room to being lenient.