As Ramadan is a special month for Muslims, many patients may be reluctant to accept certain procedures and treatments although they are permissible and will not break their fast.

Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of which treatments are acceptable for the patient and offer them accordingly.

Oral hygiene

People who are fasting tend to have a dry mouth due to decreased salivation and increased concentration of volatile sulphur compounds. This in turn causes halitosis, and poor oral hygiene will make it even worse.

Many patients tend to take oral hygiene lightly during the fasting month as they believe that most of their dental routine such as brushing their teeth, using mouthwash and flossing will invalidate their fast.

Brushing twice daily is sufficient for oral disease prevention, so patients should be encouraged to brush their teeth and floss before going to sleep at night, and after sahur (predawn meal).

Actions that are permissible and not permissible during fasting


Source: Management of Muslim dental patient while fasting, Drug intake during Ramadan
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Sources:
https://www.mda.org.my/assets/07public/healthcare_pdf/dentalcare_in_ramadhan.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279195908_Ramadan_fasting_and_dental_treatment_considerations_A_review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC521001/
http://www.ejgd.org/article.asp?issn=2278-9626;year=2014;volume=3;issue=1;spage=82;epage=84;aulast=Peedikayil