Brushing Teeth During Shiva
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Question
Is it permissible for a mourner to brush their teeth during the days of mourning, due to the prohibition of washing the mouth, and is toothpaste considered anointing?
Answer
It is permissible for a mourner to brush their teeth during the days of mourning, and washing the mouth is not considered washing and anointing. It does not apply to the entire body.
Source
The Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Laws of Fasting, Siman 567, Seif 3 states: "One who is accustomed to rinse their mouth in the morning should not do so on a public fast; but on a private fast, it is permitted, since they spit it out; even if the water exceeds a revi'it." The Mishnah Berurah there, Seif Katan 11, writes: "In a case of distress, it is permitted to rinse the mouth with water on any public fast, but one must be particularly careful to tilt the head and mouth downward so that it does not reach the throat, and even on Tisha B'Av it is permitted if it causes great distress, but on Yom Kippur one should be stringent even in this." And although on Tisha B'Av there is a prohibition of washing and anointing, it is proven that washing the mouth is not considered washing and anointing.