TOOTH EXTRACTION WHILE FASTING

Question:

What is the ruling regarding extracting a tooth while fasting? If one does it, would his fast be broken. Also, some people go to the dentist to clean and polish their teeth while fasting. Would that be allowed, or would the fast be broken if it is done?

 

Answer:

The general ruling with regards to extracting a tooth while fasting is that it would not nullify the fast. However, there is a high possibility of blood or other substances going down the throat which will render the fast invalid.

As Such, if there isn’t a dire need for it, then one should abstain from doing so whilst fasting. However, if there is a severe need to do so, then one must exercise extreme caution in order to avoid nullifying his/her fast. If blood does enter the throat, the fast will be broken on two scenarios:-

  1. If blood enters the throat and the blood exceeds the amount of saliva, or is the same amount, the fast will be broken.
  2. If one perceives/senses the taste of blood, the fast will also be broken.

With regards to cleaning and polishing one’s teeth while fasting, the possibility is also there that substances may enter the throat. This is also a matter in which there is no severe necessity for it to be done. Hence, one should refrain from doing so whilst fasting.

Ref:

Radd Al Muhtar Vol 6 page. 265 Dar Ath Thaqafa;  Khulasah Al Fatawa Vol. 1 page.254 Rasheediya).

 

And Allah Knows best

Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan

21/02/2022

 

Checked and approved by

Mufti Waseem Khan