Does toothpaste break the fast?

Detailed answer

No. Using toothpaste while fasting does not break your fast, as long as you spit it out and do not swallow it. The fresh taste that stays in your mouth afterwards is not food or drink and does not affect the fast. What matters is that the paste itself does not go down your throat.

Why it does not break the fast

The fast is broken by eating, drinking and similar things that reach the stomach through the mouth or nose. Toothpaste is used to clean the mouth and is then spat out. The Prophet, peace be upon him, taught people to rinse the mouth in wudu, and he said: "Rinse your nose thoroughly, unless you are fasting" (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi). This shows that rinsing is fine while fasting, with extra care so that nothing goes down.

In practice

• Use a small amount: a pea-sized drop is enough.
• Spit thoroughly and rinse gently, without gargling at the back of the throat.
• Brush well after suhoor and after iftar, so that any daytime brushing can be lighter.
• If you find it hard not to swallow, brush with water only or with a dry brush during the day.

What if …

… a small amount slipped down without my meaning to? Many scholars hold that an accidental trace does not break the fast, because it was not intended. Some scholars consider using toothpaste during the day to be disliked because of this risk, and advise brushing before Fajr and after iftar; if you are unsure, ask a trusted local scholar.

… I swallowed it on purpose? Then the fast is broken and that day must be made up.

The same principle applies when you taste food while cooking: a taste on the tongue is not eating, as long as you spit it out.

Related questions

For the general rule on cleaning your teeth, see brushing your teeth while fasting. If you prefer a natural option, a miswak is a Sunnah way to keep your mouth fresh during the day.