Brushing Teeth on Tisha B’Av

Question

Dear Rabbi,

I was wondering if it is permissible for me to brush my teeth on Tisha B’Av. I keep getting conflicting answers when I look it up, so I’m a bit confused. It’s pretty uncomfortable when I don’t brush my teeth, but I understand that’s the point of a fast, I just can never remember what’s permissible on what fast day.
thank you so much.

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Although there are contemporary authorities who rule that it is permissible to brush one’s teeth on condition that it is done bent forwards over the sink so that the person will not swallow any of the mixture, this ruling is not applicable for Tisha B’Av and Yom Kippur.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team