Ramadan is the month to take care of your health, but are you sure you are taking care of your oral health too? The answer is probably No! Your teeth might not be on top of the list of things you need to take care of, but it is integral to maintain good oral hygiene practices while fasting. Not doing so will not only put your teeth at the risk of caries but can also result in bad breath due to dry mouth and bacteria. And there is nothing more problematic than trying to avoid social interaction because of that.

While some believe using toothpaste and mouthwash will nullify the fast, there are some tips that can help you maintain oral health during this period.

Brushing And Flossing

Brushing your teeth right after Sahoor and Iftar can help clean out all the food from your oral cavity. The floss can be used to remove the food particles from interdental spaces which might have escaped the brush. This will ensure the more decadent foods that you are likely going to consume won't adversely affect your oral health.

Prevent Bad Breath 

During fasting, our oral cavity remains dry for more extended periods of time. This provides the bacteria breeding ground, and they tend to ferment the leftover food particles resulting in halitosis. The problem can be resolved by consuming a decent quantity of water during the non-fasting hours. Make sure to rinse your mouth with mouthwash to eliminate the chances of bad breath further.

Eat Raw Fruits 

While sugar is not advisable during Ramadan, eating fruits and vegetables can have a decent impact on your oral health. The nutrients and antioxidants in vegetables, fruits and nuts can strengthen the body's ability to fight inflammation and bacteria. This is beneficial for your gums and teeth. Eat more of these also provides a cleansing effect removing lingering sticky food from the tooth surface.

Visit Your Dentist

Dental pain is one thing you should always be wary of. Unforeseen circumstances in dental pain and concerns can become quite uncomfortable for the patient. Not to mention sensitivity which comes as an uninvited guest thanks to all the hot and cold food items. Make sure to get a proper checkup before Ramadan and get the needed treatments so you can spend the month comfortably.