How Should Oral and Dental Care Be During Ramadan?

How should oral and dental care be during Ramadan? With the arrival of the month of RAMADAN, changing eating habits cause oral and dental care to be disrupted. Those who fast during Ramadan do not eat or drink anything throughout the day, which also brings about bad breath and bacterial growth. In order to prevent these, Güzin Kırsaçlıoğlu, one of the four Turkish members of the European Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry (EAED), which includes world-renowned dentists, states that oral and dental care should be taken more seriously than ever during Ramadan.

How to Prevent Bad Breath During Ramadan?

Stating that previous cavities and inflammations in the mouth cause bad breath, Kırsaçlıoğlu said, “These bacteria also spread in the mouth and cause bad breath. Due to the decrease in eating and drinking habits, the bacteria formed in the mouth increase and saliva production decreases. In addition, sleeping immediately after sahur 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 Foods and Drinks Should Be Avoided

Kırsaçlıoğlu said, “During Ramadan, attention should be paid to eating and drinking habits as well as oral and dental care. These habits are very important for dental health as well as body health. During 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. In order to prevent this, acidic food and drink consumption should be minimized during these months and dental care should definitely be performed.”