What is meant by "tooth flossing" (falaj al-asnan), and is straightening crooked teeth considered "flossing" (falaj)? Is it forbidden?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The prohibited practice of teeth-gapping (al-falj) is the act of separating teeth by filing and abrading them for the purpose of beauty, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "and those who create spaces between their teeth for beauty, changing the creation of Allah." However, treating dental defects and crookedness with orthodontics or other methods does not fall under this prohibition.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/81283
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 81283
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy