As the holy month of Ramadan starts for Muslims around the world they cut food and drink from sunrise to sunset and this can affect their oral health.
The benefits of fasting
Fasting has many health and spiritual benefits. It encourages the learning of self discipline, empathy, kindness and mental strength, and can help to purify the body as well as increasing charity, compassion and care.
Within recent years, intermittent fasting has become a health trend around the world.
Fasting has many health benefits, including:
* Reduced cholesterol levels
* Aid weight management
* Stabilisation of glycemic control
* Opportunity for smoking cessation
* Improved gut microbiomes.
Possible consequences of fasting that can affect treatment delivery
Dehydration and halitosis
This is extremely common when the body is not receiving any fuel, as the body is put into a state of ketosis releasing ketones.
These are chemicals which break down fat for energy. When they mix with plaque bacteria in the oral cavity they produce a bad odour – bad breath.
This also occurs when dehydrated, and more ketones are released due to a reduction in salivary function, therefore drying the mouth.
Dry mouth
Due to a reduction in stimulating saliva it’s common to experience dry mouth.
The situation is exacerbated due to the lack of water. Therefore, when not fasting it’s important to rehydrate.
In some patients this can increase their risk of dental decay, especially if they are already medic-comprised.
Can you brush your teeth while fasting?
Brushing of teeth is allowed with toothpaste, provided the toothpaste is not swallowed.
However, some individuals believe that brushing your teeth is not allowed because of the possibility of water being swallowed. They do not want to risk breaking their fast, so they refrain from doing it.
It’s advisable to brush your teeth before the fast begins and before bed, with some patients happy to brush again before they start their day later on in the morning.
How to have a health mouth in Ramadan
Tips for a healthy mouth in Ramadan are not much different to what is normally encouraged.
* Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste – in the evening and one other time, eg when fast begins
* Floss/use interdental brushes to clean in between teeth
* Use a mouthwash after evening meals, not straight after toothbrushing
* Use a tongue scraper to cleanse the tongue and reduce bad breath
* Avoid sugary foods/drinks
* Avoid caffeine and excessive salt which can contribute to dehydration
* Chew sugar-free gum after your evening meal to help with saliva stimulation
* Eat a balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, fibre and protein
* Eat slow-release foods such as porridge in the morning
* Drink plenty of water, especially after opening the fast to rehydrate the body.
