Dosh 50 - Schita in Regards to Brushes (Klal 14) Hilchos Shabbos - S0412

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Dosh 50 - Schita in Regards to Brushes (Klal 14) Hilchos Shabbos - S0412

We have finished Klal 14 and are discussing a few points not mentioned in the Chayei Adam.

Another example of a situation which is not schita deoraysa because the liquid is trapped and not absorbed is a toothbrush. The nylon bristles do not absorb liquid, but trap it in between themselves in a similar manner to hair. Practically, when one wets a toothbrush, they often want the liquid to come out as part of the cleansing process. If so, the second argument mentioned in the previous shiur, that the water is being discarded, does not apply. If so, we would no longer be able to be matir in a case of a davar she’eino miskavein (see shiur s411).
Nevertheless, there is a second argument as to why it should be derabanan, which is that we have learned that dosh or schita only applies to gidulei karka. Toothbrushes are made of nylon, which is not gidulei karka. Thus, it is two issurei derabanan, and although there may be cases where two derabanan are muttar, it is generally assur.
The above regards using a toothbrush without toothpaste. Using toothpaste comes with additional issues, namely that smoothing toothpaste onto one’s teeth is the melacha of memareiach.

If one uses a dry toothbrush, there is no schita involved, and any saliva absorbed into the toothbrush is considered discarded. Thus, using a dry toothbrush will be muttar. Practically, the Magen Avraham writes that due to the concern of confusing this heter with similar issurim, one must have a designated toothbrush for Shabbos. The Mishnah Berurah follows the Magen Avraham.
It would also be muttar to put mouthwash or water in ones mouth and then use a toothbrush, as long as the toothbrush is dry when one puts it in their mouth, and as long as they use a specific toothbrush for Shabbos.

A final concern to take into consideration is causing one’s gums to bleed. If it is not a psik reisha that the person will bleed, it is muttar to brush or floss, because it is a davar she’eino miskavein. However, if one knows it will be a psik reisha that they will cause themselves to bleed, they are causing a chaburah by brushing or flossing and it is assur. In such a situation, one could brush gently such that it is no longer a psik reisha that they will cause bleeding. If they know it is a psik reisha that they will nonetheless cause bleeding, they would not be able to use a toothbrush at all on Shabbos.

Summary
One can use a dry toothbrush on Shabbos, provided it is a toothbrush only used for Shabbos.
One can place mouthwash, or water, in one’s mouth and use a dry toothbrush which is used only for Shabbos.
If it is a psik reisha that one will cause their gums to bleed, it is assur for one to brush their teeth.