Is it permissible to use toothpaste on Shabbat?

Greetings,

The common custom among Ashkenazim is to completely avoid brushing teeth on Shabbat, even without toothpaste (see Shmirat Shabbat Kehilchata Part 1 Chapter 14 Paragraph 39).

However, according to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory, if refraining from brushing will cause someone distress, they are allowed to brush their teeth on Shabbat with toothpaste, provided it is clear that this will not cause bleeding. Nevertheless, it is advisable to designate a special toothbrush for Shabbat in order to avoid concerns related to weekday activities. Additionally, one should not rinse the toothbrush after use (if they do not intend to use it again on Shabbat), due to the prohibition of preparing from Shabbat for weekday. For one who can completely refrain from using toothpaste on Shabbat without it causing distress, it is better for them to be stringent and remain in a state of 'do not do' (Responsa Yabia Omer Part 4, Section 27-32, and Hilchot Olam Part 4, Pages 270-271).

Regards,

Hillel Meirs