Learn how to maintain fresh breath during Ramadan with tips on staying hydrated, avoiding sugary foods and smoking, using miswak, and maintaining good oral hygiene during the fasting period.
Read this article to learn more about some of the sweet treats and bad habits that can help you get rid of bad breath during Ramadan.
Ways to Help Eliminate Bad Breath During Ramadan
Here are some ways and tips that can help you get rid of bad breath during Ramadan and keep your mouth fresh and healthy throughout the fasting period:
1. Drink Plenty of Water During Iftar
To prevent dryness in the mouth or the appearance of bad breath, it’s recommended to drink plenty of water, about 2-3 liters, during Iftar hours from time to time. It is also advisable to postpone drinking water until later.
It’s also advisable to avoid sugary drinks, such as: carbonated drinks or those containing caffeine, as this may increase thirst.
2. Stay Away from Sweet Foods
Sugar is an ideal food source for bacteria, which converts it into acids and toxins that play a major role in the appearance of bad breath.
Therefore, to help get rid of bad breath during Ramadan, it’s not recommended to consume foods that contain sugar.
3. Stop Smoking
You should avoid or quit smoking, and be careful not to drink large amounts of caffeinated beverages before fasting.
This is because they affect the work of the salivary glands, which may lead to a feeling of fatigue and thirst.
4. Have Small, Frequent Meals
Iftar meals, which are eaten during Ramadan, are small and limited, so you should take advantage of them.
Divide your meals into small, frequent, and equal portions across all Iftar hours to maintain satiety. Don’t leave one large meal for Iftar.
Organizing meals in this way will help avoid health problems like bloating, flatulence, which in turn can increase the problem of bad breath at the end of the day.
5. Avoid Foods That Feed Probiotics
Avoiding probiotic sources, such as: laban, yogurt, ghee, or pickles, helps in:
- Improving the environment of the intestines and achieving a balance of beneficial bacteria in them.
- Preventing diseases and all causes of bad breath.
- Facilitating digestion and preventing any health problems that may contribute to bad breath.
6. Don’t Forget to Use Miswak
Studies indicate that miswak has special properties that are antibacterial, and it also plays a major role in getting rid of bad breath during Ramadan, despite its effect on sugar.
Be sure to use a small piece of miswak before the start of fasting to avoid bad breath.
7. Don’t Neglect Cleaning Your Mouth and Teeth
Don’t just clean your teeth and mouth with a brush and toothpaste when getting rid of bad breath during Ramadan, but focus on:
- Using dental floss and mouthwash, and it’s recommended to use an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid mouth dryness.
- Cleaning the tongue gently daily using a special tongue brush with a focus on removing deposits from the back of the tongue, which increases the environment suitable for bacterial reproduction.
- Using miswak to clean the teeth, as it can be effective as proven by studies.
8. Visiting a Dentist
We advise you to visit a dentist regularly to solve any problems related to the teeth, such as: cavities, or the presence of excessive deposits, or infections in the gums, which may contribute to the appearance of bad breath.
In conclusion, if you want to get rid of bad breath during Ramadan, the topic is very simple, and all you have to do is clean your teeth and tongue well and drink large amounts of water as much as possible.
FAQ
What causes bad breath during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, decreased saliva production due to fasting, combined with dietary changes and dehydration, can lead to bacterial growth in the mouth, causing bad breath.
Are there specific foods to avoid that worsen bad breath during Ramadan?
Yes, it’s best to avoid or limit sugary foods, caffeinated drinks, and spicy dishes, as they can contribute to bad breath.
How often should I brush my teeth during Ramadan to prevent bad breath?
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after Suhoor and Iftar. Don’t forget to also clean your tongue and use dental floss to remove food particles.