Oral and dental hygiene during Ramadan: a comprehensive guide for fasting people

Reducing gum diseases Not eating or drinking water for several hours increases the risk of gum disease. But what is the reason for this statement and does this mean that people should not fast? Definitely not! Fasting, if you observe all the aspects of your mouth and teeth hygiene, has no obstacle for you and it also leads to cleansing your body. But all these things are provided that you prevent the accumulation of plaque and cleaner in your mouth. That is, do not allow bacteria to accumulate on your gums and involve you with diseases such as gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Fasting without observing the correct principles of oral hygiene can aggravate dental problems in Ramadan, especially if a person is indifferent to the observance of oral and dental hygiene and regularly eats sweet, fatty and acidic foods. ### Maintaining the general health of the body The mouth, as the gateway for food and liquids to enter the body, plays an important role in the overall health of the body and oral and dental hygiene of fasting people. Therefore, the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Diseases that, if not treated, may be transmitted to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and cause more serious problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. In the month of Ramadan, the probability of these inflammations increases due to all the things we have mentioned so far. So an alarm is sounded for those who are not good at maintaining their oral and dental hygiene. **Tips for dental care in Ramadan** \-------------------------------------------------- Specialists of Dr. Benianian Dental Clinic recommend the following to maintain your health and teeth during Ramadan and prevent oral and dental problems in this month: ### 1. Brushing and flossing Brush your teeth twice a day (after Iftar and Suhoor). To prevent bad breath, clean your tongue and floss between your teeth. ### 2. Choosing the right toothpaste Use toothpastes containing fluoride, and if you are allergic to fluoride, use herbal toothpastes. ### 3. Drink enough water between iftar and dawn Dehydration is one of the aggravating factors of tooth decay in Ramadan. So try to drink at least 8 glasses of water between iftar and dawn meals. ### 4. Avoid eating harmful foods Considering that sweet and sticky foods increase tooth decay; It is better to reduce the consumption of carbonated and acidic drinks as much as possible. In addition to being harmful to your teeth, these drinks are also dangerous for a stomach that has been empty for several hours. ### 5. Use of appropriate mouthwashes Using antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce bad breath. The best time to use mouthwash is after breaking the fast and before going to bed. **Effect of nutrition on dental health during fasting** \-------------------------------------------------- Proper nutrition plays an essential role in the health of teeth and gums during Ramadan. Because there are some foods that can help strengthen teeth, while others cause decay and damage to tooth enamel. ### Foods useful for teeth in Ramadan Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese): they are a rich source of calcium and strengthen tooth enamel. Green leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, parsley): contain vitamin C and antioxidants that improve gum health. \- **Nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts)**: contain phosphorus and magnesium and help tooth health. ### Harmful foods for teeth in Ramadan Sweets and sugary substances: increase the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. \- **Acid drinks (soda, lemon juice, sweet tea)**: cause tooth enamel erosion. \- **Coffee and strong tea**: They stain the teeth. **Gum care in Ramadan** \---------------------------------- Gum care is very important during Ramadan. Because the change in food pattern and decrease in saliva secretion can create a suitable environment for the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and thus increase the possibility of gum inflammation and bleeding. When saliva (which plays an important role in normal oral hygiene) is reduced, microbial plaques feast on the gum line and can predispose you to diseases such as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Diseases associated with symptoms such as redness, swelling and sensitivity of the gums. To prevent these problems and oral health during fasting, we have some recommendations for you. First of all, don't forget to brush your teeth after breaking the fast. Use dental floss to remove the remaining food particles from between your teeth and use antibacterial mouthwashes every 3-4 days. **Does fasting cause bad breath?** \-------------------------------------------------- Both yes and no. Fasting may lead to bad breath, but this is not the case for everyone, and if it is, it is completely preventable. The main factors of this problem are: \- Reduction of oral saliva Accumulation of bacteria \- and consuming smelly foods such as onions and garlic in the morning meal Now what are the solutions to reduce bad breath? Regular brushing and flossing Drinking enough water Eating fresh foods such as vegetables and yogurt Toothache relief in Ramadan What to do in case of toothache? \------------------------------------------------------------------ If you experience a severe toothache during Ramadan, you must do one of these two actions: either you must break your fast and take a pain reliever, or relieve your toothache by using natural and herbal non-edible products. Some natural solutions for coiling and a numbing ointment that can help include: 1\. **Salt solution and warm water**: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for a few minutes. This solution acts as an antiseptic and can reduce your inflammation and pain without invalidating your fast. 2\. **Solution of water and baking soda**: Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with it. This solution helps to relieve pain and reduce the inflammation of your painful tooth. 3\. **Water and Apple Cider Vinegar Solution**: Combining a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and gargling it can do wonders to relieve your toothache. 4\. **Benzocaine ointment**: You are going to apply this ointment on your painful tooth with the aim of relieving your toothache. This ointment contains anesthetic and can temporarily reduce your toothache. The relationship between fasting and tooth decay Fasting can only lead to increased tooth decay if oral hygiene is not observed. The most important reasons for this are: \- Reduction of saliva and dry mouth \- Excessive consumption of sweet substances in Iftar \- Lack of regular brushing These problems can be avoided by following health tips. Visiting the dentist during fasting hours \------------------------------------------