Brush your teeth between iftar and sahur

Güzin Kırsaçlıoğlu, one of the four Turkish members of the EUROPEAN Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (EAED), stated that oral and dental care should be taken more seriously than ever during Ramadan. Drawing attention to the fact that bacteria in the mouth increase due to the change in eating habits, Kırsaçlıoğlu said that in order to prevent this, teeth should be brushed between iftar and sahur. Those who fast during Ramadan do not eat or drink anything throughout the day, which also brings about bad breath and bacterial formation. Kırsaçlıoğlu stated that previously formed cavities and inflammations in the mouth cause bad breath and said: “These bacteria also spread in the mouth and cause bad breath. Due to the decrease in eating and drinking habits, bacteria formed in the mouth increase and saliva formation decreases. In addition, sleeping immediately after sahur also causes dental plaque not to be completely cleaned. In order to prevent these problems, teeth should be brushed for at least two minutes between iftar and sahur and dental floss should be used. The decrease in saliva secretion should be prevented by consuming plenty of fluids.”

Acidic Should Be Avoided

Stating that attention should be paid to eating and drinking habits as well as oral and dental care during Ramadan, Kırsaçlıoğlu continued as follows: “These habits are very important for dental health as well as body health. In Ramadan, acidic foods and drinks should be avoided in particular. Sugary and sweet foods, as well as acidic drinks consumed during these months, pose a great threat to dental health.”