Oral Care in Ramadan: When to Brush and How to Avoid Bad Breath

When is the best time to brush in Ramadan?

The two most important times to brush are after iftar and after suhoor, because they remove food and sugars that bacteria would otherwise feed on during the long fasting hours. Brush for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and use floss or an interdental brush once a day, ideally after iftar when you have more time.

If you have sweets or acidic drinks, rinse with water straight after eating and wait about half an hour before brushing, because tooth enamel is temporarily softer after acid exposure. Do not scrub hard: a soft brush and gentle circular movements clean well without hurting your gums or causing sensitivity.

Do toothpaste and miswak break the fast?

This is a question of Islamic jurisprudence, so we simply outline the commonly held views without favouring one. Most scholars consider using a miswak permissible while fasting; they differ on using it after midday, with some regarding it as disliked then and others allowing it throughout the day.

As for toothpaste, many scholars hold that it does not break the fast as long as none is swallowed, with great care to keep it from reaching the throat, while some prefer to postpone it until after iftar because of its strong taste. For peace of mind on religious rulings, ask a trusted scholar or fatwa authority. From a health point of view, brushing with toothpaste after iftar and after suhoor is enough.

Why is bad breath worse while fasting?

Fasting reduces saliva, which is the mouth's natural cleanser, so bacteria multiply on the tongue and between the teeth and produce unpleasant odours. When the body draws on its energy stores, it can also release odours on the breath. Hot weather, dry air-conditioned rooms and drinking too little water at night make it worse. These steps help:

• Gently clean your tongue with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper after iftar and suhoor.
• Drink water in small amounts throughout the night rather than a lot at once.
• Cut down on onion, garlic and heavily spiced food at suhoor.
• Avoid smoking, which dries the mouth and worsens odour.
• Ask a pharmacist about a suitable alcohol-free mouthwash to use at night if needed.

Which iftar and suhoor habits protect your teeth?

Breaking the fast with dates and water is a good habit, but dates are sticky and cling to teeth, so rinse afterwards and brush later. Ramadan sweets and sweetened juices are often enjoyed throughout the evening, and every time you have sugar your teeth face a fresh acid attack. The answer is not to give them up, but to plan when you have them and clean afterwards.

• Have sweets in one sitting rather than grazing on them all night.
• Choose water over sweetened juices and fizzy drinks.
• Add vegetables, fruit and dairy such as laban and cheese to suhoor.
• Limit tea and coffee at suhoor, as they can increase dry mouth and thirst.

Can I have dental treatment in Ramadan?

Many check-ups and preventive treatments can be done during Ramadan, and some patients prefer appointments after iftar. Whether anaesthetic, water or bleeding during treatment affects the fast is also a question for scholars, and you can discuss appointment timing with your dentist.

Do not put off severe pain or swelling until the end of the month, as these need prompt assessment. If you have diabetes and are fasting, speak to your doctor and take extra care of your gums, because changes in blood sugar affect gum health and healing.