Ramadan,
the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is the month of fasting for
Muslims.
Fasting is
one of the five pillars of Islam, and all throughout the Holy month of Ramadan,
Muslims fast every day from early dawn to sunset. All physically, mentally
healthy and mature Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking,
smoking and all other physical needs.
When it
comes to oral hygiene and dental treatments, what should dental providers and
fasting patients know about Ramadan?
Our
specialist prosthodontist Dr.
Omar Aldaoudi gives us insight on oral health
and dental procedures during the Holy Month. In terms of dentistry, which acts
are permissible and which ones would nullify the fast? Find out below.
What do
people gain from fasting?
Fasting
allows learning self-restraint from indulgence in everyday pleasures,
developing self-control and self-discipline, purifying the mind and the body,
and empathizing with the poor and hungry.
Health-wise,
fasting involves powerful therapeutic processes that can help people recover
from mild to severe health conditions. Fasting can lower blood sugar,
cholesterol and (systolic) blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an
ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin
diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension.
What are
your advice on oral hygiene for people who are fasting? Can they still brush,
floss and use mouthwash as usual?
Toothpastes
are allowed during the holy month of Ramadan, although some scholars of Islam
consider the use of toothpaste to be highly undesirable because deliberate or
accidental swallowing of them will nullify the fast.
You can
always brush and floss thoroughly before sleeping at night and I recommend
brushing after Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). Brushing twice daily is sufficient for
oral disease prevention.
Mouthwashes
are commonly prescribed by dentists as an adjunct to oral hygiene. Some
patients may be reluctant to use mouth wash for fear of unintentionally
swallowing some. If this is the case, you can use it outside fasting hours as
advised by your dentist.
Will dental
treatments/procedures and administration of an aesthetic (injections) nullify
the fast?
Some
patients think that actions that take place during dental procedures will
nullify their fast but local anesthetics (injections) are permissible forms of
treatments for those who are observing Ramadan. However, when patients are
reluctant, it is best to re-schedule or delay treatments especially if there is
no acute pain/discomfort.
Are there
dental procedures that should be postponed by fasting patients if the treatment
dates fall on Ramadan?
Dental
treatments and preventative procedure (including restorations, scaling and
extractions) do not invalidate the fast, but some patients are unwilling to
have procedures done due to difference in their views.
Patients
who require immediate or advanced treatment, like those who suffer from
deteriorating chronic illness or those who face dental emergencies, could break
the fast. If it is possible, the dentist can delay or re-schedule treatments
for their patients.
What’s your
advice on patients who are taking medications and who want to fast?
Oral
medications are not permissible and invalidate the fast. If you fall ill and
avoiding medication could result to harm and is life-threatening, it’s
allowable to break the fast.
When a
dental problem occur during the holy month of Ramadan and medications are
needed, you can discuss with your dentist. He or she may be able to adapt your
medications and/or the dosage.
What are
your health tips for people who are fasting?
Don't skip
Suhoor. Don't overeat during Iftar (dinner). Avoid eating fried foods, salty
foods and high-sugar foods. Drink as much water as possible.
Keep your
meals healthy. Whenever possible, opt for steaming, grilling or baking. If you
use oil for cooking, settle for healthy options like canola oil.
Drink
plenty of water (drink of choice), juices, milk and soups. Cut down on coffee,
tea, soda and all other caffeinated drinks – they have diuretic effects and
thus dehydrate the body.
