Ramadan is a period of fasting and spiritual contemplation observed by Muslims globally. Fasting during Ramadan has been associated with various health advantages, including improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
There are many reasons people can get bad breath during fasting. Some of the most common causes are dry mouth, eating foods that cause bad breath, and not drinking enough water.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of fasting. When the body isn’t taking in any food, it stops producing saliva. Saliva helps to clean the mouth and remove bacteria. Without saliva, bacteria can build up and cause bad breath.
Reasons for bad breath during fasting
- Bad breath, medically termed halitosis, can be a common side effect of fasting. Fasting causes the release of ketones, which are chemicals that are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy. When these ketones mix with bacteria in the mouth, they produce a bad odor.
- Bad breath is also a common side effect of dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your mouth becomes dry and this causes the release of more ketones. In addition, fasting can also lead to bad breath because it decreases saliva production. Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth and get rid of bacteria.
- Eating foods that cause bad breath is another common cause of bad breath during fasting. Foods like garlic and onions can linger in the mouth long after you eat them and cause bad.
Taking care of your teeth and gums throughout fasting should not be neglected.
There are a few oral care tips to follow during non-fasting hours, which are typically the hours before dawn and after dusk.
- Brushing teeth immediately after eating any type of food is not recommended. It’s best to wait for at least 30 minutes after eating so that the natural bacteria in your mouth have a chance to digest the food.
- Drinking water is essential, as it helps to cleanse the teeth and gums. Swishing water in your mouth for 30 seconds after eating is also beneficial.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
5 Tips on preventing bad breath
There are many things you can do to prevent bad breath. Some of the most effective are:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Using a tongue scraper
- Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash
- Eating a healthy diet