Maintain dental hygiene during Ramzan: Hyderabad doctors | Hyderabad News

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With long fasting hours extending beyond 14 hours this Ramzan in Hyderabad, city dentists have come out with a list of dos and don’ts to keep the teeth and gums healthy and prevent bad breath.
According to Dr Mohammad Siraj Ur Rahman, dental surgeon and professor in Osmania Government Dental College and Hospital, Hyderabad, many believe that bad breath (halitosis) cannot be avoided while fasting. But, it is a wrong notion. “Rinsing mouth frequently while fasting will prevent bad breath.
Brushing and flossing teeth after sahar (pre-dawn meal) and after iftar (breaking of fast) helps prevent dental caries and gingivitis. Tongue scraping will remove the bacterial coat over the tongue,” he said.
Dr Siraj said that to keep breath fresh during the fast, one should use miswak stick to clean teeth. Miswak prevents dental plaque. “Consume fruits and boiled vegetables as they have high fibre content and help in re-mineralising the teeth naturally.
Avoid too much sugary and fatty foods, as their overconsumption with less hydration during fast causes bad breath, or even worse, dental problems,” Dr Siraj added. Dr Abdul Habeeb Bin Mohsin, prosthodontist and implantologist, said smokers should stop smoking even during non-fasting hours. “Smoking causes poor dental hygiene and build-up of acid. This triggers bad breath and dental issues,” he said.
Dr Habeeb said overconsumption of tea, coffee or caffeinated drinks disturb the pH balance in the mouth and result in growth of bacteria and staining of teeth in the long term. “One should stay away from carbonated drinks and fruit juices and soda to keep the teeth healthy during Ramzan,” he said. He said one should avoid greasy or oily foods as they cause indigestion and impact the pH balance in the oral cavity. One should maintain oral health regardless of natural teeth or dentures.