Jewish Law
Daily Halacha: Brushing Teeth and Using Ointments
A practical guide to brushing teeth and using ointments on Shabbat, based on the halachic rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef
Is it allowed to apply ointment on the body on Shabbat?
According to halacha, it is forbidden to apply ointment on the body if the ointment does not get absorbed into the skin, such as when it sits on top like a thick cream. This is because spreading ointment in this way is considered smoothing, which is one of the 39 forbidden types of work (melachot) on Shabbat.
However, if the ointment is meant to be absorbed into the skin, and that is your clear intention, then it is permitted to apply it.
This ruling is based on Yabia Omer.
Is it allowed to brush teeth on Shabbat?
Yes, it is permitted to brush teeth on Shabbat. The reason is that when brushing, your intention is not to keep the toothpaste on your teeth or gums, but rather to rinse it away. Since you don’t mean to “spread” the toothpaste for it to remain, this action does not fall under the prohibition of smoothing (memare’ach), and is allowed.
This halacha is explained in Yabia Omer.
From “Ach Tov VaChesed – Daily Halacha” by Hidabroot
