There are many rumors and myths about what breaks a fast and what doesn’t. And one of the most common questions we get is whether or not toothpaste breaks a fast.
So, today, we’re going to set the record straight and answer that question once and for all!
Ingredients In Toothpaste
Most toothpaste contains various ingredients, many of which are designed to promote oral health.
Fluoride, for example, is often added to toothpaste to help prevent cavities. Other common ingredients include:
- Water
- Glycerin
- Hydrated silica
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Titanium dioxide
- Propylene glycol
- Flavorings
While most of these ingredients are harmless, some people may be concerned about the presence of glycerin in toothpaste.
Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that can come from animal or plant sources. It’s often used as a sweetener or preservative in food products, and it can also be found in some cosmetics and skincare products.
How Many Calories Are In Toothpaste?
Most kinds of toothpaste are around 25-50 calories per serving. This may not seem like much, but if you’re using a lot of toothpaste daily (and most people do), those calories can add up over time!
Toothpaste typically contains water, glycerin, sorbitol, cellulose gum, titanium dioxide (a pigment), and a flavoring agent. The calorie content comes from water and glycerin.
Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that is made by combining glucose and glycerol. Sorbitol is another sugar alcohol that is caused by combining glucose and fructose. Both of these sugar alcohols are sweeteners, so they contribute to the toothpaste flavor.
Cellulose gum is a type of dietary fiber that doesn’t contribute any calories. Titanium dioxide is a white pigment that is used to make toothpaste look more appealing.
Is There Carbs In Toothpaste?
Yes, there are carbs in toothpaste. The carb content of toothpaste comes from the various thickeners and gelling agents used to make it into a paste. These thickeners and gelling agents can be made from natural or artificial sources, and most contain some carbohydrates.
The reason toothpaste needs these thickeners and gelling agents is that the act of brushing your teeth causes the water in the toothpaste to become thin and runny.
If there weren’t any thickening or gelling agents in toothpaste, it would run right off your teeth and down the drain!
Does Brushing Teeth Break a Fast?
No, brushing your teeth does not break a fast. Many people brush their teeth during a fast to keep their mouths clean and fresh.
Brushing your teeth does not introduce any calories or nutrients into your body, so it doesn’t interfere with the fasting process. However, if you’re using toothpaste that contains glycerin, you should be aware that this sugar alcohol can have a small impact on blood sugar levels.
If you’re concerned about glycerin’s effect on your fast, you can always try using a glycerin-free toothpaste. There are many brands of glycerin-free toothpaste on the market, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs.
Does Toothpaste Trigger Insulin?
Some evidence is that toothpaste may cause insulin spikes in people with diabetes. However, more research is needed to determine the effects of toothpaste on blood sugar levels.
One study published in the journal Oral Hygiene found that using toothpaste with high sugar levels (20%) significantly increased blood sugar levels 30 minutes after brushing teeth. The study authors cautioned that people with diabetes should use kinds of toothpaste with low or no sugar content.
Another study published in the journal Clinical Oral Investigations found that fluoride exposure, a common ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste, may increase blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
The study authors recommended that people with diabetes avoid using fluoridated toothpaste.
Is Toothpaste OK During Intermittent Fasting?
Yes, toothpaste is allowed during intermittent fasting. It would be best if you brushed your teeth twice a day during fasting periods to help keep your mouth clean. Just make sure to use toothpaste without any sugar or artificial sweeteners.
However, some people might argue that toothpaste is considered a “food” since it is consumed orally, but others might say that it does not contain enough calories or nutrients to break your fast.
It’s up to you to decide what you consider breaking your fast. If you’re worried about it, stick to water and black coffee or tea during your fasting schedule.
Can Toothpaste Knock You Out Of Ketosis?
There is no evidence that toothpaste knocks people out of ketosis. Some people may think it does because when they brush their teeth, they feel like they need to eat something afterward.
This feeling is likely caused by the sweetness of the toothpaste, which can activate taste receptors and make people crave food.
However, toothpaste doesn’t have carbs or calories and won’t knock you out of ketosis.
Does Swallowing Toothpaste Break Your Fast?
Yes, swallowing toothpaste does break your fast. When you swallow toothpaste, it enters your digestive system and is eventually absorbed into your bloodstream.
This means that calories or nutrients in the toothpaste are counted as part of your daily calorie intake.
If you’re fasting, it’s best to avoid swallowing toothpaste altogether. Instead, brush your teeth with water or sugar-free toothpaste.
Which Toothpaste Is Best For Fasting?
This is a difficult question because everyone’s experience with fasting will be different.
However, a toothpaste that is gentle on the teeth and gums and doesn’t contain harsh abrasives might be a good option.
In general, it’s a good idea to avoid using strong-tasting tubes of toothpaste or those that have a high level of fluoride if you’re fasting, as these can make your mouth feel dry and uncomfortable.
A mild, mentholated toothpaste could be a better choice in this case.
FAQs
Can You Brush Your Teeth During Ramadan?
Yes, you can brush your teeth during Ramadan. Just make sure you brush your teeth after iftar (the meal after sunset) and before sahur (the meal before sunrise).
Does Toothbrush Break Your fast?
Some argue that brushing your teeth during a fast breaks the fast, as the bristles come into contact with the gums and enter circulation throughout the digestive system.
Others say that it doesn’t break the fast because there is no contact with food, so no digestion takes place.
It’s up to each individual to decide what they believe. If you’re fasting and don’t want to risk breaking your fast using a toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water after brushing. Alternatively, you could use a soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize contact with the gums.
Conclusion
Toothpaste does not break a fast, but swallowing it can. If you’re fasting, it’s best to avoid swallowing toothpaste and brush your teeth with water instead. There is no evidence that toothpaste knocks people out of ketosis.
If you have diabetes, avoid using fluoridated toothpaste as it may raise blood sugar levels. Instead, brush your teeth with a mild, mentholated toothpaste.
