Ramadan, is observed every ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is also the month of fasting that teaches self-control, self-discipline which helps in purifying the mind and body.
WHAT CHANGES TAKE PLACE IN THE MOUTH DURING FASTING?
During fasting, the increase in the concentration of Sulphur containing compounds present in the mouth may lead to a noticeable bad breath or halitosis.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO KEEP MY BREATH FRESH WHILE FASTING?
1- Brush your teeth twice daily.
2- Use a tongue scraper or a brush to scrape your tongue gently. This helps to remove any accumulated mucus on your tongue which may lead to bad odor.
3- If you wear dentures, wash them regularly and allow them to be moist while seating the dentures in the mouth to keep your gums hydrated. This reduces the ulceration that could occur.
4- Rinse your mouth every four hours to prevent dehydration.
5- Eat a decent amount of fruits and vegetables, as they are an excellent source of hydration.
6- Chewing mint leaves or parsley in the non-fasting hours is a natural solution to cool and refresh the mouth.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY WHILE FASTING?
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after the meals.
If your dentist has prescribed other dental aids for you such as interdental brushes or a water flosser, make sure you follow all your oral hygiene instructions as prescribed.
But various studies and research done by notable and prolific figureheads after going through numerous supervised therapeutic fasting have concluded that fasting doesn’t injure the teeth. This is because the body possesses a reserve from which, in an emergency, (like fasting) it starts drawing the required minerals, vitamins, and other elements.
WHAT TO EAT AND WHAT NOT TO KEEP MY TEETH HEALTHY?
1- Reduce intake of caffeine (coffee, tea and all other caffeinated drinks) because they cause dehydration and they also tend to stain your teeth.
2- Avoid deeply fried and spicy food.
3- Eat fruits and vegetables as they are rich in fiber. They will help to re-mineralize your teeth.
4- Avoid sticky foods such as chocolates, sugary candies, and cheese as they might get stuck between teeth and also minimize the amount of acid produced in the mouth which leads to the oral cavity.
5- Stay hydrated, because water allows the mouth to salivate which reduces decay and bad breath.
To avoid the prospect of surprises during your fasts, make sure you schedule a checkup a month before you start fasting to check for probable issues that may crop up.
To understand more about Oral Health Hygiene during fasting, contact us HERE.
