The long hours from Suhoor to Iftar require some oral hygiene measures, which are often neglected because many people feel confused about what is or is not allowed during Ramadan fasting.
The month of Ramadan should not be an excuse for neglecting oral health, as specialists stress that ensuring good oral health is essential for your physical health as well.
What’s more, when we don’t drink or eat for a long time, bacteria accumulate in the mouth, breaking down food particles left in the mouth, and foul-smelling gases are released.
Saliva plays a major role in reducing and eliminating the growth of bacteria in the mouth, as it acts as an antibacterial agent. But when we fast, saliva flow decreases significantly during this state of dehydration. Saliva production slows down, causing bad breath.
After breakfast, the salivary glands are stimulated and salivation becomes normal. Bad breath also goes away. However, some basic measures must be taken to prevent bad breath and ensure oral health during the fasting period.
Dentist Haider Hassan explained, in a previous interview with Al-Araby, that the increasing need for dental care during the month of Ramadan is due to several reasons; Chief among them is the lack of water consumption during this period, which is reflected in the viscosity of saliva.
He added that the increase in this viscosity may lead to an increase in bacteria, which affects the “necrosis” of the teeth and gum infections.
Tips for maintaining oral health
In general, there are tips given by specialists to those who fast during the month of Ramadan, in order to maintain oral health in the holy month.
Here are some of these tips, as presented by the “Simday Me” website.
Brushing teeth twice a day
You should brush your teeth twice a day: after suhoor and after iftar.
It would be wise to use a fluoride toothpaste, as it prevents cavities and strengthens teeth.
Tongue cleaner should also be used to get rid of bacteria that have settled on the top and under the tongue, which is one of the main causes of bad breath.
Floss and rinse your mouth with mouthwash
Flossing is very important, to get rid of any food particles that may be stuck between the teeth.
Rinse your mouth with a good mouthwash to freshen your breath. And it is better to do it after suhoor.
Because some people are afraid of swallowing it, this should be done outside of fasting hours.
Use toothpicks
Miswak is a traditional yet effective way to maintain oral hygiene and fresh breath.
Therefore, you should use miswak sticks to brush your teeth, as they help prevent plaque buildup.
Body hydration
You should drink plenty of fluids in the hours before fasting, i.e. in the hours after iftar until suhoor.
Tea, coffee, soft drinks and other caffeine-containing drinks should be reduced. Drinking too much coffee can cause dehydration, especially during suhoor.
Therefore, it is recommended to drink water, hibiscus and mint tea for a fresh mouth, and to drink juices and soups.
probiotics
Probiotics can be used to treat bad breath, as they increase the good bacteria in the gut and also support gut health.
The healthy bacteria in our gut decreases when we eat refined or processed foods; Therefore, the body must be nourished with beneficial bacteria. Some examples of probiotics are kefir, yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
Avoid sticky foods
Sticky foods are very harmful to oral health and should be avoided, especially during Ramadan. Also, foodstuffs that contain sugar and starch lead to tooth decay and enamel dissolving.
So, make sure to avoid sticky foods like cheese, chocolate and some cereals, which can get stuck between the teeth and need to be cleaned carefully.
Keeping dentures clean
The fasting person must maintain his oral health regardless of whether his teeth are natural or if he uses dentures.
If you use dentures, be sure to clean them properly with an antiseptic solution. Unclean dentures can also cause bad breath and putrefaction.
Diabetic patients should rinse their mouth twice a day
People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. To ensure complete oral health, they should rinse their mouths twice a day with chlorhexidine mouthwash. This practice helps prevent gum disease.
It is also recommended to visit the dentist before the month of Ramadan to examine the teeth and gums so that oral health is not affected during fasting.
Use organic coconut oil
Organic coconut oil is one of the most effective ways to remove bacteria from the mouth that cause bad breath, and it also helps in whitening teeth.
Once you have finished your pre-dawn meal, take a teaspoon of organic coconut oil and swish it around gently for 10-15 minutes, before rinsing your mouth.