Fasting during Ramadan can alter your mouth’s environment hence increasing the risk of having bad breath.
During this observance, it is important to be keen on oral health to prevent bad breath or halitosis.
However, through being careful with your oral health, you can easily have a breath smelling fresh throughout the whole month.
Below are some tips on how to maintain proper hygiene in your mouth and avoid halitosis during Ramadan:
1. Dehydration
Being dehydrated is a major reason for bad breath during fasting times. Your mouth tends to dry up due to inadequate water intake throughout the day leading to a low saliva production rate in your body that helps eliminate food particles and bacteria in your mouth resulting from which halitosis may be caused due to insufficient saliva content. Drinking enough water between fasts particularly at suhoor (meal before dawn) and iftar (breaking of fast) should be aimed.
2. Consistently brush your teeth
It is important to brush regularly to counteract bad breath. To keep your mouth clean and fresh, always remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day; after Suhoor in the morning and before sleeping again. Use fluoride toothpaste for thorough cleaning of all dental surfaces including the tongue and palate where bacteria usually accumulate. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid irritating the gum when brushing before Suhoor. One can also use miswak during the day as it does not break the fast.
3. Floss daily
Flossing on the other hand does not receive much attention yet it is as important in oral hygiene as brushing. Through flossing, food particles and plaques are removed from between teeth or along gums where they may be left untouched by a toothbrush. Make it an obligation to floss once every day, preferably before bedtime to maintain fresh breath while promoting gum health.
4. Use mouthwash
Mouthwash that lacks alcohol can assist you attain clean breath by removing bacteria and neutralizing compounds that cause terrible smells. Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash after brushing and flossing, this will enable it to reach areas that were missed by your toothbrush.
5. Quit the sweet stuff
After a long day of fasting, it can be hard to resist sugary treats. However, excessive amounts of sugar lead to bacterial growth in the mouth which causes plaque and bad breath. Instead of eating sugary foods, try eating fruit and vegetables.
6. Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing Sugar-free gum during the non-fasting period stimulates saliva production thus helping to fight bad breath. Increased saliva flow also flushes the oral cavity and neutralizes acids that cause halitosis. Chewing gum with xylitol, a natural sweetening agent is recommended as it hampers bacterial colonization in your mouth.
7. Avoid strong-smelling foods
Some strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions or spices can leave an enduring smell in your mouth. While such kinds of food are often enjoyed during iftar meals, try to limit their consumption on your part or brush your teeth afterward to counterbalance their effects on your breath.
8. Have regular dental checkups
Even though you are fasting during Ramadan, make sure that you go for regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health status, discuss any concerns with you, and give professional teeth cleaning services that will help remove plaque and tartar build-up—two factors contributing to bad breath.
By following these suggestions, you can maintain fresh breath and optimal oral health during the sacred month of Ramadan. Remember, good oral hygiene not only preserves dental health but also plays a crucial role in overall well-being. Wishing you a blessed and healthy Ramadan ahead.
