Ramadan is an important time of year for Muslims worldwide as they fast from dawn until sunset. During this period, the body undergoes significant changes, including in the mouth and oral cavity.

It's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, stay hydrated, and follow a healthy diet during the month of Ramadan.

This article will explore some practical tips and recommendations to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy during this holy month.

Hydration

Your mouth’s natural defence system is the production of saliva which constantly washes your teeth and soft tissues. Abstaining from water throughout the day will cause your body to become dehydrated and reduces the rate at which your mouth produces saliva leading to a dry mouth.

A dry mouth can lead to:

• Bad breath

• Increased risk of tooth decay

• Increased risk of gum disease

• Increased risk of oral cancer

The usual advice for those suffering from dry mouth would be to sip water throughout the day to wet the lining of your mouth, chew on chewing gum or use supplements, but none of those is permissible during your fast.

Drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids from iftar to suhur to avoid these issues. Fill up a large bottle with water at iftar and keep it with you until you start your fast, consuming at least 1-2 litres before you begin your next fast.

Remember that tea, coffee, fruit juice, and other flavoured beverages will not hydrate you the same way water will, and many of these drinks will be acidic, which is harmful to your teeth.

Diet

Diet plays a crucial role in oral health during Ramadan. During the night, choosing foods that provide adequate nutrition while being gentle on the teeth and gums is essential. There is a habit of consuming lots of fried salty foods during iftar, but this could damage your health in the long run.

Opt for foods high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as these can help clean the teeth and gums naturally. Avoid sugary and sticky foods as they can stick to your teeth and cause tooth decay while also causing sharp glucose/insulin spikes that are detrimental to your general health.

Avoid fruit juices and soft drinks as they are high in sugars and acids. Sugary drinks will increase your risk of tooth decay, and acidic drinks will wear away your enamel via acid erosion.

Good, healthy slow energy releasing foods:

• Whole grains (e.g., brown rice, quinoa, oats)

• Legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, black beans)

• Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, chia seeds)

• Vegetables (e.g., spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes)

• Proteins (e.c., chicken, lamb, beef, fish and other meats)

Foods to avoid:

• Processed and sugary foods (e.g., candy, soda, pastries)

• White bread and other refined grains

• Fruit juices and sweetened beverages

• Fried and fatty foods (e.g., french fries, chicken wings)

• Dried fruits and snacks (e.g., raisins, potato chips)

It’s okay to treat yourself after a fast and enjoy your iftar parties with family and friends but make sure that your diet is fueling you properly for the month in a healthy way.

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital during Ramadan. The reduced saliva flow and dry mouth means that the bacteria in your mouth (plaque) that causes decay and gum disease is not being washed away and can become more active.

Plaque bacteria will feed off any tiny traces of food left in your mouth from Suhur, so you must thoroughly clean your teeth and mouth before beginning to fast.

Below is an adapted schedule for oral hygiene during Ramadaan (some communities allow brushing in the morning and spitting out thoroughly, this guide assumes that you wish to avoid that).

• Brush your teeth thoroughly after Iftar with an electric brush and fluoride toothpaste. (If you can, wait 30 minutes after eating to do so)

• After any snack or flavoured drinks, rinse your mouth with water to wash away residual food particles and keep your mouth hydrated.

• Chew sugar-free chewing gum in between snacks and food.

• After suhur, rinse your mouth with mouthwash thoroughly before brushing your teeth for 2 minutes using an electric brush and then flossing in between.

You may need to put more effort into your cleaning routine during Ramadaan, but it’s essential that you do so to keep your teeth and mouth in good health.

In conclusion, maintaining good oral health during Ramadan is crucial. This article has provided practical tips and recommendations on keeping your teeth and mouth healthy during this holy month.

Staying hydrated, following a healthy diet, and practising good oral hygiene can help prevent dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Remember to drink plenty of water, choose healthy, slow-energy-releasing foods, and regularly clean your teeth and mouth.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your oral health stays in top shape throughout Ramadan.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about how to keep healthy during Ramadaan, don't hesitate to contact one of our dentists who will be happy to help!