A silver toothpick

Question

Hinda has long been in the habit of using a silver toothpick (khilal): because she eats betel and the like, bits of areca nut get stuck between her back teeth, and getting them out with a straw is difficult. Secondly, the physician says about the silver toothpick that it will cause no harm, but in “Bihishti Zewar” (“Heavenly Ornaments”) it is written that it is prohibited. Now what is to be asked is: may one use a silver toothpick or not?

Answer

Do not use a silver toothpick; use one of copper, brass and the like. No weight is fixed for this — one may use as much as is needed.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.