Brush your teeth twice daily

Oral care is often neglected in the month of Ramadan. With a change of daily routine and bedtime habits, the twice-a-day brush or floss is easily forgotten, or dropped.

This is harmful practice which can lead to bad breath or tooth disease, warn dentists concerned about the oral care habits of fasting people.

“Due to fasting in the day during Ramadan, some people may forget to brush their teeth or use floss over the average 24 hours,” said Dr Ansam Refaat, a Dubai-based dentist.

During the holy month of Ramadan, anything a person swallows would make the fast invalid. In that way, brushing teeth during fasting hours becomes a little difficult.

"The use of a tooth brush is allowed, but when any of the tooth paste is swallowed, the fast becomes invalid," commented the Central Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf).

However, the twice-a-day rule does not have to end there. Fasting people should incorporate brushing and flossing at other points of the day, explained the dentist.

“I recommend brushing and flossing thoroughly before sleeping at night and also brushing after the pre-dawn meal (suhoor). This means that you are still brushing twice a day and that is sufficient for oral disease prevention.”

When fasting the mouth becomes dry and this naturally results in bad breath, while poor oral hygiene care after fasting hours  will make things even worse, she pointed out.

“Drinking plenty of water and eating fruits during the night or at suhoor can help to keep the body hydrated and healthy.”

Also recommended is the use of a tree twig known as the meswak. Split at the end it forms a suitable alternative to the tooth brush and it was in fact used in the past for the same purpose.

In Islam the use of meswak is highly recommended. Not only are there many records of The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) using meswak and encouraging others to do the same, the Prophet was seen using meswak throughout the Holy month of Ramadan.

"The Prophet was seen on many occasions using meswak throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Following our hadith, it is permitted to use meswak during Ramadan and this will not break the fast," confirmed Awqaf.

The meswak is known to maintain oral health while releasing a pleasant odor in the mouth.

Finally, a dentist should be consulted when there is a real concern about oral health during the Holy Month.

According to Afqaf, dental treatment does not invalidate the fast unless something goes into the stomach. However, it is advised to delay dental treatment if possible.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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