Does using a miswak, toothbrush, or mouthwash break the fast?

Using a miswak (tooth-stick) while fasting is permitted and was the Prophet's own practice; Amir ibn Rabi'ah reported seeing him use a tooth-stick while fasting more times than could be counted (Sunan Abi Dawud 2364). The same reasoning extends to a dry toothbrush: cleaning the teeth does not break the fast, since it introduces nothing into the stomach. Toothpaste and mouthwash are a more cautious case. The concern is not the brushing itself but swallowing residue — strong-flavored toothpaste or mouthwash can leave a taste at the back of the throat, and if any of it is swallowed deliberately or carelessly, the fast is broken, since that counts as consuming something. Many scholars therefore advise fasting people to either avoid toothpaste and mouthwash during fasting hours and rely on a plain toothbrush or miswak instead, or to be extremely careful — using a small amount, rinsing thoroughly, and avoiding swallowing anything — if they do use them. There is no difference of opinion that accidentally swallowing a trace amount despite genuine care and effort to avoid it, as opposed to carelessness, does not break the fast, following the same forgiveness given to other unintentional acts.

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