Ramadan can lead to changes in eating patterns, hydration, and sleep routines, which can affect your oral health. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can maintain a healthy smile throughout the month of fasting.
Here’s what we recommend.
Why oral health can change during Ramadan
When you fast, you go many hours without food or water. This reduces saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural defence system. Saliva helps:
Less saliva means a higher risk of dry mouth, plaque buildup, and gum irritation.
Our top dental tips for Ramadan
These are our top tips for keeping on top of your dental health during Ramadan.
Brushing strategically
It’s essential to brush at least twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste. During Ramadan, you can brush:
Don’t forget your tongue; bacteria there are a major cause of bad breath.
Brushing during fasting hours should not invalidate the fast if the toothpaste isn’t swallowed.
Clean between your teeth every day
Food tends to be richer and sometimes stickier during Ramadan. Flossing or cleaning between your teeth with interdental brushes after Iftar is essential for removing debris between teeth and reducing gum inflammation.
If you only floss once a day, make it count during Ramadan.
Be mindful of sugary & sticky foods
Ramadan tables often include sweets and traditional desserts, and even dates, though nutritious, can stick to teeth. While enjoyable, they can increase cavity risk.
When having sweet and sticky foods, we recommend:
Staying hydrated after Iftar
Hydration is critical. Dry mouth significantly increases the risk of decay as well as bad breath.
Between Iftar and Suhoor:
Managing bad breath
Many people worry about bad breath while fasting. It’s completely normal due to reduced saliva and metabolic changes.
Having dental treatment during Ramadan
Lots of people often postpone treatment unnecessarily.
Routine dental care does not break the fast unless something is swallowed, so people prefer to spit all of the water out during routine cleanings.
From a dental standpoint, delaying treatment can sometimes make problems worse. Do not ignore:
You can also talk to your dental team about making your appointments after Iftar if you are worried.
