Ramadan is a time of spiritual significance, but it also brings changes to our eating habits. During Iftar and Sahur, the consumption of sweets, tea, and coffee increases, which can affect oral health. During this period, it is important to pay extra attention to our oral and dental care, not only for the duration of fasting but also to maintain long-term oral health.
Oral Care After Iftar and Sahur
To maintain oral hygiene during Ramadan, it is crucial to follow the correct oral care routine after Iftar and Sahur. Since sweet consumption increases after Iftar, brushing your teeth, using dental floss, and using mouthwash should not be neglected. Also, cleaning your mouth after Sahur is very important. Brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue, and using dental floss after Sahur help reduce bacteria in the mouth. This will prevent bad breath during the day and help prevent tooth decay.
Tips for Protecting Your Oral Health During Ramadan
• Do not skip Sahur and choose the right foods: Include antioxidant-rich foods such as almonds, walnuts, and cinnamon in your Sahur meal. Chewing cloves can help prevent bad breath.
• Drink enough water: Be sure to drink plenty of water between Iftar and Sahur. This will help prevent dehydration and the problems caused by dry mouth.
• Avoid diuretic drinks: Avoid consuming diuretic drinks like coffee, tea, and chocolate at Sahur. These drinks can cause fluid loss, increasing the risk of dry mouth.
• Limit salty and spicy foods: By avoiding excessive salty and spicy foods during Iftar and Sahur, you can reduce dry mouth and the feeling of thirst.
• Consume fruits and vegetables whole: Eating hard and fibrous fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots without slicing them helps clean the surface of your teeth mechanically.
• Avoid strongly scented foods: Foods like garlic and onions can increase bad breath. Limiting their consumption during fasting can help prevent unpleasant odors.
• Reduce or quit smoking: Smoking can cause gum diseases and bad breath. Ramadan is a great opportunity to quit smoking.
• Clean dental prostheses regularly: If you use dentures, make sure to soak them in a cleaning solution every night before going to bed.
• Do not forget cheese and apples on your table: White cheese and apples can help maintain the pH balance of the mouth and prevent tooth decay.
Don’t Forget Your Oral Health During Ramadan Feast
Continue to take care of your oral health during the Feast of Ramadan, especially with the increased consumption of sweets and sugary foods. A post-feast dental check-up will be helpful in preventing cavities and gum diseases.
I wish you a healthy, peaceful, and happy Ramadan, and I congratulate you in advance on your Ramadan Feast.
Dt. Cem Harbalıoğlu
Oral and Dental Health Specialist
