Oral Care During the Month of Ramadan

One of the five pillars of Islam is fasting. During the Holy month of Ramadan, Muslims from all over the world forgo eating, drinking, smoking, and all other physical needs from dawn to sunset. Fasting teaches self-restraint, while cleansing the mind and body.

Healthwise, studies have shown that fasting has many positive effects on general health, including glycemic control, cholesterol, weight loss, blood pressure and even advantageous changes in the gut microbiome.

Meticulous oral care is essential while fasting because not paying extra attention to your oral health during Ramadan can lead to issues such as dental cavities or even gum disease.

If you haven’t been to your dental professional in a while, have a dental checkup and dental hygiene appointment before you begin fasting, to help eliminate any tooth problems which may occur during Ramadan.

Plan a routine for eating and sleeping. It is also a good idea to schedule your oral hygiene routines so that you can brush for two minutes and floss before sleeping, as well as at one other time during the hours of darkness. Wait for at least half an hour after eating, before brushing your teeth so that the enamel can remineralize.

Bad breath or halitosis is the most common side-effect of fasting. Not eating and drinking anything for a long time causes dehydration of the mouth, resulting in reduced saliva, which enables bacteria responsible for bad breath to build up on the teeth, gums, and tongue.

Some useful oral care tips for the Holy Month:

Brush after iftar and suhoor. Use a protective toothpaste as it prevents cavity formation and strengthens the teeth. Ensure that you brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice during non-fasting hours to ensure good oral hygiene. Brushing during fasting is permissible on condition that no toothpaste is swallowed.
Flossing should be done to remove any food particles that are stuck in between the teeth.
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash and swish for 30 seconds.
Use tongue cleaner to get rid of any white coating on the tongue as it is the primary reason behind bad breath.
When fasting, a tongue scraper or miswak sticks can be used.
Taking an oral probiotic is a great way to colonize healthy bacteria that may be lost through using too much mouthwash.
Refrain from smoking during non-fasting hours. This habit as not only affects the tissues in your mouth but also is a well-known cause of bad breath and teeth staining. Giving up smoking may be easier during this time. Quit smoking now!
Dentures must be cleaned thoroughly using an antiseptic solution because uncleaned dentures can also cause bad breath.
Diabetic patients can rinse their mouths with mouthwash twice a day.
Get in some exercise. Don’t overdo it, but a brisk walk will help keep you keep fit.

Suggestions for fasting:

Try not to skip suhoor.
Do not overeat during iftar.
Keep your meals healthy.
Drink plenty of water and soups during suhoor and iftar to stay hydrated.
Eat calcium and vitamin-rich foods which aid in hydration.
High protein foods such as eggs, meat, and fish will keep you feeling fuller for longer, but some foods like fish, onions, garlic, and certain spices can contribute to bad breath.
High fiber foods such as oats, rice, and quinoa will help lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels, which will keep you energized throughout your fast.
Eating potassium-rich foods like dates is a great way to break your fast as they give you instant energy.
Nuts such as almonds contain good fats that are essential for the body after long hours of fasting.
Foods such as cucumbers, lettuce, and other water-based vegetables offer a high fiber content and are easy to eat and digest. Fruits and boiled vegetables with a high fiber content will help in remineralizing your teeth naturally.
When breaking your fast, eliminate onions, garlic, smoking, and other common causes of bad breath.
Stay away from caffeinated drinks which may lead to sleep problems and dehydration.
Foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates are to be avoided as they spike blood sugar levels.
Avoid sticky food such as chocolates and certain types of cereals as these can get stuck in between the teeth.
Foods that have high levels of salt will increase sodium levels and lead to dehydration. Foods such as salted nuts and chips will cause you to become more thirsty.
Stay away from drinking soda and carbonated fruit juices as they are very high in sugar and will make you more thirsty.
Fried, greasy, or oily foods should be avoided to keep you cholesterol free.

Ramadan is a good time to implement good health, diet, sleep, and oral care practices.

Author

Hilary is a Certified Biological Dental Hygienist with over 20 years of clinical experience in Johannesburg and Dubai. She takes a modern and holistic approach to dental care, and has a keen interest in biological dentistry, nutrition, and functional medicine.