Changes in eating habits during Ramadan can lead to situations that threaten oral and dental health. Research Assistant Ayşenur Arpacı provided the following information regarding what should be done about oral and dental health during Ramadan:
Oral hygiene becomes more important during Ramadan.
During Ramadan, prolonged fasting and dehydration lead to a decrease in saliva flow. Saliva is an oral fluid that cleans the inside of the mouth, buffers acids, and protects against cavities. Therefore, dry mouth during Ramadan increases the risk of gum disease and bad breath. Regular oral care is more important than ever during this period.
Problems related to dry mouth may arise.
Prolonged dehydration can lead to dry mouth, and this dryness can increase susceptibility to plaque and cavities. Factors such as more frequent consumption of sugary, acidic, and sticky foods during iftar and sahur, irregular brushing frequency, increased smoking after iftar, and the lack of a habit of brushing teeth after sahur can be considered among the factors that threaten oral and dental health.
Should teeth be brushed immediately after breaking the fast?
Acidic drinks like cola, soda, and fruit juices, as well as acidic foods, frequently consumed during iftar (the meal breaking the fast), lower the pH of the mouth. This causes demineralization of the tooth enamel and a temporary softening of the enamel surface. Immediately after iftar, the mouth should be rinsed with water or sugar-free gum should be chewed. After 20-30 minutes, teeth should be brushed with fluoride toothpaste. Avoid using a hard brush and applying excessive pressure while brushing.
Water consumption should be increased.
To protect oral and dental health during Ramadan, the following points should be considered:
Teeth should be brushed twice a day, after iftar and sahur.
Dental floss or interdental brushes should definitely be used.
Sugary and sticky foods should be limited during iftar and sahur meals.
Acidic drinks should be reduced, and water consumption should be increased.
Sugar-free gum (especially that containing xylitol) can be preferred to increase saliva flow.
Smoking should be avoided.
To eliminate bad breath, the surface of the tongue should be cleaned regularly.
Research Assistant Ayşenur Arpacı also listed the things to do to eliminate bad breath that results from going without food for hours:
- The tongue surface should be cleaned regularly with a tongue cleaner or toothbrush.
- Teeth should be brushed and flossed and interdental brushes should be used after sahur (pre-dawn meal).
- Sufficient water should be consumed between iftar and sahur.
- Foods that cause strong odors, such as onions and garlic, should be limited during sahur (pre-dawn meal).
- Sugar-free gum or mouthwash can be used as a supportive measure.
- If you have persistent bad breath, a dental check-up is necessary to check for gum disease or cavities.
