The month of Ramadan has arrived in which Muslims fast from food and drink. From Fajar until Maghrib, they hold their thirst and hunger. Ramadan oral care is a bit tougher than regular dental care because first of all, you have to be cautious that you won’t accidentally swallow toothpaste, mouthwash, or water. Secondly, reduced saliva production due to dehydration and non-consumption of water can cause dry mouth conditions giving way to bad breath. Therefore, to maintain fresh breath while fasting, strictly practice some useful tips by experts for oral hygiene during fasting. It makes you comfortable while interacting with people around you and shows respect for them. This is how to keep fresh breath while fasting in Ramadan:
- Brush your teeth before Suhoor and after Iftar,
- use a tongue scraper or Miswak,
- stay hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor,
- avoid odorous foods,
- and rinse your mouth without swallowing water.
Challenges of oral care while fasting
During fasting, you may have to face certain oral health issues which can be overcome. Your oral health can be affected in the following ways:
Dry Mouth
Saliva helps to clean the mouth from food particles and bacteria. When you are fasting saliva production is reduced because you’re not eating or drinking. This causes your mouth to dry and gives a chance for bacterial growth. The building of bacteria causes bad breath.
Food Residue
During non-fasting hours when you eat a meal, small food particles may remain stuck to teeth or narrow spaces in the mouth. If the mouth is not cleaned thoroughly, bacteria start to grow on these food particles releasing bad-smelling toxins that are the reason for bad breath.
Dehydration
Dehydration is very common among people who are fasting as they are not drinking water for long hours.
- It makes your mouth even drier,
- Worsen bad breath
- Make it harder for your mouth to stay clean.
Understand the challenges that you may come across regarding your oral hygiene during fasting. By Identifying the causes that are reason to dry mouth, bad breath, and specifically bacteria growth you can take the most effective steps for perfect dental care during Ramadan.
Best Practices for Fresh Breath While Fasting
Ramadan oral care is easier than you think. Here are some simple yet effective tips for fresh breath while fasting:
Brush Before Suhoor and After Iftar
In Ramadan you take two meals, one in suhoor and the second after Iftar so be careful about brushing your teeth properly after these two meals to remove tiny food particles stuck in between or around your teeth. It is best to use toothpaste with fluoride minerals as it is effective in removing plaque and bacteria that are a major cause of bad breath.
Use a Tongue Scraper and Miswak
To keep your breath fresh during fasting clean your tongue as well after brushing because food particles can also remain stuck to the tongue on which bacteria get a chance to grow. You can use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue easily. For more natural cleaning, Miswak is the best option. It is a tooth-cleaning stick that keeps your breath fresh for long hours during fasting.
Stay Hydrated After Iftar
Medical experts recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water in hours when you are not fasting i.e. the time between iftar and suhoor. It will help to hydrate the body and keep the mouth moist with more production of saliva to clean the mouth naturally reducing bad breath.
Avoid Odorous Foods
avoid certain foods to prevent bad breath in Ramadan. Onions, garlic, and some spices have strong aroma that leaves smell in your mouth. Eat food like fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as they are mild foods and are less likely to cause bad breath.
Rinse with Water (When allowed)
If your mouth feels dry or you notice food particles stuck in your teeth during fasting hours, you can rinse your mouth with water. Just be careful not to swallow it, as this is allowed and can help keep your mouth fresh. Swishing water around your mouth can remove debris and reduce bad breath without breaking your fast.
Products to Use and Avoid During Ramadan
Maintaining oral health during Ramadan doesn’t have to be complicated. Using the right products can help you keep your breath fresh and your mouth healthy, even while fasting. Here are some recommended products and tips for oral hygiene during fasting hours.
Best Toothpaste for Fasting
The best toothpaste for fasting is one that is fluoride-based. It helps to strengthen enamel, remove plaque, and bacteria, and prevent cavities. Avoid toothpaste with strong flavors that might make you thirsty during fasting hours.
Is Mouthwash Allowed During Fasting?
Mouthwash is only allowed unless or until you don’t swallow it during the period of fasting. Mouthwash can access those narrow areas in your mouth where it is hard for a toothbrush to reach. It is effective in:
- Killing harmful mouth bacteria
- Making your breath fresh.
But remember always to pick an alcohol-free mouthwash because one with an alcoholic agent makes your mouth dry later.
Natural Remedies for Bad Breath
The following are great alternatives to artificial products and are safe to use during non-fasting hours.
● Fresh mint leaves
Chewing on fresh mint leaves or fennel seeds after Iftar can freshen your breath.
● Green tea
Green tea is also a great option, as it contains antioxidants that fight bacteria.
● Cucumber
Eating cucumber slices after meals can help cleanse your mouth and freshen your breath. Cucumbers are high in water content, which helps wash away bacteria.
● Apple cider vinegar
Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and use it as a mouth rinse after Iftar. It helps balance the pH in your mouth and kills odor-causing bacteria.
● Cloves
Cloves have natural antibacterial properties and a strong, pleasant aroma. Chewing a single clove after meals can help to keep breath fresh.
● Miswak
Miswak is a natural tooth-cleaning stick that people have used for centuries for brushing teeth. No water or any toothpaste is required to do miswak. What you need to do is just chew from one end till it gets soft like a brush then gently brush your teeth in circular motion. Even it can be used to clean the tongue and massage gums. A total oral care product that has antibacterial properties. Miswak helps to:
- Fight plaque,
- Reduce bacteria,
- and maintain fresh breath while fasting.
It is the most appropriate cleaning method to be used while fasting because no water is required so no worries about the fast being broken.
Common Myths About Ramadan Oral Care
Brushing Teeth Breaks the Fast
Brushing your teeth does not break your fast as long as you avoid swallowing water or toothpaste. It’s an essential part of maintaining oral hygiene.
Drinking Water is the Only Solution for Fresh Breath
Drinking water to remain hydrated is one of the factors but not the only solution to maintain fresh breath while fasting. If you properly brush your teeth before suhoor and after the iftar meal your oral hygiene stays good all day long. Moreover, gently scrape your tongue after brushing to keep your breath fresh because just brushing your teeth is not enough, your tongue should also be cleaned. Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and food residue from the tongue, which is a major cause of bad breath.
Flossing is also important after brushing. A water flosser is an effective solution for removing food particles stuck between teeth, especially after meals. Use it after Iftar to clean hard-to-reach areas and prevent plaque buildup that leads to bacterial growth and bad breath.
Mouthwash is Completely Banned During Fasting
Many people believe that using mouthwash during fasting hours is not allowed. However, this is not entirely true. Using mouthwash is permissible as long as you don’t swallow it. An alcohol-free mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath without breaking your fast. Just rinse your mouth thoroughly and spit it out completely. If you’re concerned, you can use mouthwash after Iftar or Suhoor to maintain oral hygiene.
Conclusion
Maintaining fresh breath and good oral hygiene during Ramadan is entirely possible with the right practices. By brushing regularly, staying hydrated, and using the right products, you can keep your mouth healthy and prevent bad breath in Ramadan. Expert Dentists at Klinika Dental Clinic in Dubai will help you with all your oral health needs. Whether you need advice on Ramadan oral care or it’s a routine check-up, we serve you best. Book a consultation with us today and ensure your smile stays bright and healthy this Ramadan.
0 comments on “Ramadan Oral Care: How to maintain fresh breath while fasting”