Gargling Toothpaste with Water on Shabbat
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Question
Is it permitted to gargle toothpaste on Shabbat, meaning to put toothpaste in the mouth and mix it with water? This is what I do, but I saw a rabbi who writes that it creates something in the water, and I didn't understand: a) is there creation when it's inside the mouth, and b) how is it different from mouthwash in terms of creation?
Answer
Hello Rabbi
It is permitted to do so, because inside the mouth there is no significance to smearing or creating a scent.
However, mixing toothpaste in a cup before putting it in the mouth is prohibited on Shabbat.
1. Due to creating a scent in the water (Siman 128, Subsection 23).
2. There is a concern due to the decree that one might smear (Shabbat 146 and Siman 314)
Source
According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Avraham Fried, shlita