What You Need to Know about Ramadan and Oral Health

Fasting has always been a part of every Muslim’s life. It is one of Islam’s five pillars, and it’s practiced all throughout the month of Ramadan. During this Holy month, Muslims fast before sunrise until sundown on a daily basis.

Fasting is not just about not eating or drinking anything. Fasting is a self-disciplined activity that restrains oneself from indulging in everyday pleasures. It is a way of purifying the mind and body.

During fasting, Muslims abstain from taking in any solid or liquid food. However, there are certain oral health and dental procedures that are permissible during the Holy Month. Read on below.

Is basic oral hygiene allowed during Ramadan?

For some Islam scholars, the use of toothpaste and mouthwashes can nullify the fast due to accidental swallowing.

If this is the situation, you can always brush your teeth or use mouthwashes outside the fasting period. It may be done at sundown after dinner or before going to sleep, and most importantly, after the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor).

Brushing your teeth twice daily during this Holy month will suffice your oral health.

Dental preventive treatments and procedures do not nullify the fast.

However, not everyone agrees. When patients are reluctant for any dental treatment, it is best to reschedule the procedure. For emergency cases that need immediate dental treatment, a Muslim can cease the fast.

Am I breaking the fast with oral medications?

Certainly! Anything took in, solid or liquid food, including medicines, are prohibited during fasting. When you fall dentally ill during the Holy month, you can seek the advice of your dentist regarding the administration and dosage of the medication.

There are some instances that medications are needed and failure to take them would result in life-threatening harm. If this is the case, you are allowed to break the fast.

What is the best advice that people who are fasting should remember?

Finally, do not let your health fail you at this time of the month. Fasting for an entire day is already a challenging activity. Disregarding your health might lead to more serious problems that would invalidate you to fast for the rest of your life.