Dental Health Tips During Ramadan

Fasting is one of Islam’s five pillars. Ramadan is a time when Muslims forbid themselves to experience the indulgence of everyday pleasures which includes eating and drinking. Muslims submit themselves for fasting to purify their minds and body, making themselves holy.

If you are someone who is considering to practice fasting, here are five simple tips to help you keep healthy:

• Eating is important, so never skip the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor).
• Make your meals nutritious. Avoid eating oily and salty foods.
• Avoid over-eating during Iftar.
• Hydrate as much as possible.
• Caffeinated drinks should be avoided.

During the Holy month, Muslims who are fasting are conscious of still keeping themselves in good health condition. However, they oftentimes neglect their oral health. After all, dehydration and severe hunger can kill someone faster than an oral health condition, right?

Bad breath, dry mouth, and jaw clamping are some of the most common discomforts experienced by people who are fasting. Preventive measures for these discomforts are discussed below. Read on.

Dry Mouth: How to Prevent Without Drinking

Dry mouth causes the build-up of bacteria and increases the risk of tooth decay.

It is necessary that during Ramadan, no liquid is taken in. Hence, in order to keep your mouth from drying without drinking, you may wash your mouth.

Islam scholars do not guarantee this method. However, it is clearly stated that so long as no liquid is swallowed, mouth washing is permitted during fasting.

Bad Breath: Certainly A Red Flag!

Bad breath is caused by bacterial build-up which resulted from a drying mouth. Hence, mouth washing is a helpful practice for one to cope with bad breath.

Jaw Clenching: It’s Terrible, I Need Some Help!

Fasting upregulates the release of stress hormones. Basically, the primal instinct of humans would assume that fasting will lead to starvation and starvation kills. This causes stress, and stress results in tension. Jaw tightening is one manifestation.

It is important during the period of fasting to keep a relaxed mind and senses. Through mindfulness and relaxation, the mind is downregulating stress, hence easing tension.

You should not intake caffeinated drinks outside the fasting hours. Caffeine is found to increase stress and contributes to jaw clenching.

Finally, Maintain A Good Dental Health Practice

Essential care, as the name implies, is significant regardless of the situation you are in. Maintain good oral health by not skipping or missing any of your essential care activities. Make sure to still include brushing of your teeth on your routine. Reinforce your hygiene practices with frequent mouth washing.

If emergency situations arise and certain dental treatment is required, it is always permissible to break the fast. You can always make up for those days later, but you can never undo any damage beyond repair.