Ramadan and Oral Health: Get to Know About it

Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is considered the month of fasting for those following the Muslim religion. Fasting is considered one of Islam’s five pillars and during the Holy month Muslims will fast each day from dawn to sunset. This means Muslims abstain from smoking, drinking, eating and any other physical needs during this time.

As a result, many people wonder about oral health? What is important for individuals who are fasting? The good news is, there are some dentistry services that are permissible, while others would nullify the fast. Learning more about this can be beneficial.

What Dental Treatments/Products are Allowed During Fasting?

Toothpaste can be used during Ramadan, while some scholars in Islam consider this undesirable because any cases of accidental swallowing may nullify the fast. As a result, many who are fasting choose to floss and brush before going to bed at night and it is also a good idea to do so before Suhoor, which is the pre-dawn meal. According to dentists, brushing twice a day is adequate to prevent oral disease. The same guidelines apply to mouthwash.

What Dental Procedures or Treatments will Nullify the Fast?

There are some who believe that the actions that occur during dental procedures will nullify the fast; however, there are some local anesthetics that are permissible treatments for individuals. If someone fasting is worried about this, then they may want to reschedule their treatment.

Even though you choose to fast, it doesn’t mean you have to neglect your dental care. Doing so will only lead to more issues down the road. If you are unsure of what treatments are safe, consult with your dentist. They will be able to help you better understand what is involved with the procedure and whether or not it is safe for fasting.

If you need dental care during this period, contact us today.