From the Rav’s Desk: Is Dental Floss Required to Clean One’s Teeth Before Immersion in a Mikvah?

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Is Dental Floss Required to Clean One’s Teeth Before Immersion in a Mikvah?

Question:
I was taught in Kallah class that before immersion in the mikvah one must clean the teeth thoroughly, including using dental floss between the teeth. At the moment, I do not have any dental floss available. If I go to the store to buy some, it will significantly delay me and I will not be able to go to the mikvah tonight. May I clean my teeth properly without using dental floss?

Answer:
Yes, you may proceed without using dental floss. Dental floss is not required according to any halachic opinion. Moreover, according to some authorities, its use is even discouraged. If dental floss is not available, you may clean your teeth using other methods, such as brushing thoroughly with a toothbrush and, if necessary, using a toothpick.

Explanation:
Halacha requires that one’s teeth be clean before immersion in the mikvah, as part of the general requirement to remove all potential chatzitzot (obstructions). However, halacha does not specify how this cleaning must be accomplished. There is no obligation to use any particular tool or method—only that the end result be that the teeth are clean, including between the teeth. While some people are accustomed to using dental floss as part of this process, this is merely a custom and not an obligation. Furthermore, many rabbanim advise against using dental floss, noting that it can sometimes leave behind residue, frayed fibers, or food particles lodged between the teeth. In such cases, the floss itself may become a chatzitzah rather than preventing one. Therefore, as long as you have thoroughly cleaned your teeth using effective and available means, you may immerse in the mikvah without concern, even if dental floss was not used.

Sources:

See regarding the general obligation to clean the teeth as part of Chafifa: Michaber Y.D. 198:24; Shach 198:30; Bach 198 (not a Chiyuv); Sidrei Taharah 198:47; Taharah Kehalacha 19:29

See regarding that there is no specific method of cleaning that is required: Kaneh Bosem 2:83

See regarding using dental floss: Discourage: Shiurei Shevet Halevi p. 335:1; Or Yitzchak 1 29:4; Mareh Kohen p. 117; Yesod Hataharah Taharah Kehalacha 19:29 footnote 79 (leaves to choice of person) Encouraged: Rav Elayashiv in Otzros Taharah p. 517; Ashrei Ish Y.D. 33:34; Orchos Habayis 23:7; Mishmeres Hataharah 198:157

About The Author

Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein is a 6th generation descendent of the famous Chief Rabbi of Izhmir, Rav Yehoshua Avraham Krispin, who authored a number of Sefarim, and was a colleague of Rav Chaim Falagi, and father in-law of the Pesach Hadvir. He currently lives with his wife Shayna, and twelve children K”H, in Tzfas, Israel. Rabbi Goldstein received Semicha from Rabbi Schneur Zalman Labkowski of the Tomchei Temimim headquarters in 2005 and served as a chaplain in the Lotar/Kalatz and K9 unit of the IDF from years 2005-2008. He is also a certified Shochet, and has performed Hashgacha work in slaughterhouses. Rabbi Goldstein is the director of Shulchanaruchharav.com, the world’s leading web-based Halacha database, and is the director of the Home Study Semicha Program, a self-study web-based Semicha program. He is a prolific author of over 50 Sefarim studied by a wide range of readers throughout the world, which is used regularly in Semicha programs around the globe. He is a world renowned Posek, answering questions to a web-based market, and serves as a local Posek, Rav, and Lecturer, in the Tzemach Tzedek community Shul in Tzefas, Israel. His many classes can be heard both from his website, Vimeo and YouTube channel. Students can join live to classes given in the Tzemach Tzedek Shul, through the “בית חבד צפת Chabad Tsfat” YouTube channel.