Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims across the globe as a month (29-30 days) depending on moon cycle of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Fasting is abstaining from food, drink, smoking, desires, bad habits you want to give up. Fasting during Ramadan involves not eating food or drinking water between sunrise and sunset for the entire month. Suhoor is the morning meal; fast begins at dawn and iftaris the evening meal; fast ends at sunset.
Benefits of Ramadan is a beautiful practice of will power, discipline, and strength that improves mental, physical and spiritual health.
DENTAL TREATMENTS DURING RAMADAN
During this holy month, several Muslims are afraid to go to dental clinics even at the times of emergency as they perceive that ingestion of water during dental procedure, administration of anaesthesia, accidental swallowing of saliva during intraoral examination, or any intraoral procedure will break their fast.
Procedures that can be performed while a patient is fasting includes Restorative treatments ,Crown preparations ,Simple extractions ,Endodontic therapy ,Removable prosthodontics
Local anaesthesia administration whenever required during dental procedure is allowed during the fast unless otherwise it is nourishing vitamins or antioxidants.
Surgical Tooth extraction should be postponed after the month of Ramadan. Since tooth extraction causes accidental swallowing of blood, therefore alternatively, pulp extirpation procedures can be carried out under a strict rubber dam isolation , high volume suction and upright positioning of patient. All emergency treatment can be done during Ramadan as long as nothing is swallowed.
ORAL HEALTH TIPS FOR FASTING PATIENTS
During the 12-hour fasting window, the lack of saliva in the mouth contributes to Bad breath. Since saliva lubricates the mouth and helps protect against harmful bacteria, the lack of it during fasting times means that bacteria will stick on your teeth, gums and tongue, causing the bad breath.
Brushing and flossing
As the American Dental Association suggests brushing the teeth two times daily; therefore, the dental specialists ought to remind the fasting patients to brush and floss completely before sleeping and after Suhoor, proper brushing and flossing after Iftar and Suhoor meals are recommended. Ensure that you brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice.
Mouth wash
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds
Mouthwashes, for example, chlorhexidine, can be used, yet patients might be hesitant because of the possibility of incidental swallowing. Hesitant patients might be encouraged to perform the mouthrinse outside the fasting hours.
Tongue Scraping
Since we are not hydrated during the fasting hours, saliva production may decrease Since saliva lubricates the mouth and helps protect against harmful bacteria, the lack of it during fasting times means that bacteria will stick on your tongue also causing the bad breath, so tongue scaping is as important as brushing.
WHAT FOODS ARE BEST DURING RAMADAN FASTIN
Water
Drink plenty of water including fruit and vegetable juices during Suhoor & Iftar to stay hydrated
Calcium & Vitamin Rich Foods
Dairy products such as milk and yogurt will provide hydration and nutrition throughout the day
Protein Rich Foods & Fiber Rich Foods
High protein foods such as eggs, meat , fish & high fiber foods such as oats, rice, vegetables and quinoa will keep you feeling full for longer, help lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels which keeps you active throughout your fasting window and ease digestion
Dates and raw nuts
Foods like dates are a great way to break your fast and will hydrate you quickly, giving you instant energy
WHAT FOODS TO AVOID DURING RAMADAN
Refined Carbs & Sugar
Foods such as sugar, white flour, pastries, cakes and cookies are to be avoided as they also spike blood sugar levels and intaking before bed time can intensifies decays. Drinking soda and carbonated fruit juices as they are very high in sugar and will make you more thirsty. Eating foods that are high in sugar and refined carbs means they will not hold your hunger for more than 3-4 hours. It is important to be realistic and not expect people to cut out sugars completely but everything in moderation.
Salty Foods
Eating foods that have higher levels of salt will increased sodium levels and lead to dehydration and thirsty.
Caffeinated drinks
It is best to stay away from caffeinated drinks which may lead to sleep problems as dehydration.
More details can be referred on the below reference articles
Always Consult Dentist for more information.
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