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Is it permitted to use mouthwash on a public fast day? Would a sensitive mouth, due to medical reasons be a good reason to be lenient?

(I can see it being less problematic than brushing one's teeth, because there's no fresh water being used, only the chemical mix that is mouthwash; that's not something you'd drink.)

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@sethJ is Yom Kippur not a public fast day? – Double AA♦ Mar 6 at 3:18
@double aa, not as usually defined. I still remember getting that wrong in 4th grade. – Seth J Mar 6 at 3:24
@SethJ Tisha b'Av too? Where have you seen the term so defined? – Double AA♦ Mar 6 at 3:28
@double aa in any event, it doesn't change the intent, and it matches the accepted answer. – Seth J Mar 6 at 3:32

1 Answer

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Per Mishna Berura Orach Chaim 567:3:11 if a person is bothered by the lack of brushing their teeth or the smell/taste in their mouth, they are permitted to rinse their mouth on public fasts, however one should tip their head forward in order that it should not reach their throat.

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Gershon, since the problem is "he may swallow it", I'm not sure how your answer covers Moshe's 2nd point, which should circumvent the issue. – YDK Jan 5 '12 at 17:23
This answer covers all points. It is allowed even for a non sensitive mouth. – Gershon Gold Jan 5 '12 at 19:20
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The MB (who is referring to water) has 2 prerequisites: 1. He has "tzaar". 2. He tilts his head forward. (Note: The Aruch haShulchan only requires #2.) I think there is room in the case of mouthwash to negate both prerequisites since it is not an edible product. – YDK Jan 5 '12 at 20:33
@YDK, that sounds reasonable, but you need a source, which is what I think Moshe is looking for. – Seth J Jan 6 '12 at 1:31
@SethJ, Yes, I was just bringing out Moshe's question, not try to answer it. – YDK Jan 6 '12 at 1:44

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