TIPS FOR DENTAL CARE DURING FASTING

Reported by Tuti Ningseh Mohd Dom & Shahida Mohd Said

The following are some actions that Muslim patients may be reluctant to do while fasting:

1. Perform oral hygiene procedures

Patients may:

• Fail to brush teeth or use floss (this does not actually invalidate fast) as usual

Dentists’s option:

• Remind patient to brush and floss thoroughly before sleeping at night and recommend brushing

after the pre-dawn meal (sahur/sehri). Twice a day brushing is sufficient for oral disease prevention

2. Take medication

Patients may:

• Fail to take prescribed medication during fasting hours

• Take all medication outside fasting hours, hence at incorrect intervals

• Take all medication in one go, particularly if several different medications are prescribed

Dentists’s options (see Table 1):

• Change medication*

• Change dosage*

• Explain necessity of compliance with prescribed medication

*only concerns medication for dental problems;

DO NOT CHANGE prescribed medications for systemic problems without first referring to

patient’s physician

3. Carry out dental treatment

Dental treatment is not likely to invalidate the fast. This includes scaling, restorations and extractions. Islam is a religion that does not makes things difficult for its followers; rather the guidelines provided are meant to benefit the people. However, as discussed earlier, some patients may be reluctant to carry out certain procedures due to different perceptions and ways of thinking. So rather than getting into an arguments with their patients, dentists may well try to accommodate their wishes. (But not before we tryto educate them, of course! - That way patients get to undergo the necessary treatment and business can go on as usual).

4. Oral malodor (bad breath) and fasting

During fasting, it is not unexpected that the mouth becomes dry. This naturally results in malodor. Poor oral hygiene care will indeed make it even worse. A practical way of overcoming it is to ensure patients, even during fasting, to still brush their teeth and floss as usual to keep the mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Mouthrinsing is also permissible as long as patients don’t overdo it! Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash as it will dry out the mouth. Drinking plenty of water and fruits during the night or at sahur/sehri can help to keep the body stay hydrated and healthy. It is also worthy to examine the whole mouth for any dental or oral manifestations that may be contributing to the malodor such like dental caries, infection and/or discharges.