
One of the most important points to be considered while fasting is oral and dental health. According to experts, antibacterial mouthwash or mouth spray should be used to prevent cavities and odor.
Mouth and teeth are among the places that need to be checked regularly. According to experts, in addition to regular brushing and flossing, it is necessary to see a dentist at least every six months. In addition, in some periods, oral and dental health becomes even more important. Ramadan is one of them. While fasting, many people do not brush their teeth, so bacteria that easily reproduce in the mouth for a long time from sahur to iftar can cause bad odor in the mouth and increase tooth decay.
Causes of odor
Aesthetic Dentist Çağdaş Kışlaoğlu, who states that oral care should be taken care of more than ever while fasting, has suggestions for those who fast. First of all, Kışlaoğlu states that teeth should be brushed more carefully after iftar and sahur: “While brushing teeth, the tongue surface and gum areas should be cleaned thoroughly with the help of a brush. You can also use mouth antiseptics in Ramadan. Since the acid rate in the mouth increases immediately after iftar and sahur, bacteria should be cleaned. “A suitable environment is created for growth. Therefore, it is important to use an oral antiseptic in addition to brushing teeth. In addition, antibacterial mouthwash or mouth spray can be used. If neither, gargle with salt water.” One of the biggest problems experienced while fasting is bad breath. Dr. According to Kışlaoğlu’s statements, bad breath is not only caused by tooth decay. Gum diseases, poorly made dentures, stomach and throat disorders can also cause bad smells. However, if oral care is done well, it is possible to get rid of bad odors in the mouth. Saying that there is no eating and drinking activity while fasting, the saliva secretion is low in the mouth, Kışlaoğlu emphasizes that bacteria that occur in the teeth that are not brushed after iftar and sahur meals can easily reproduce in the mouth. Kışlaoğlu says that bacteria cause acidification in the mouth, which causes tooth decay.
Suggestions for those who are tired of always eating the same things in sahur
In Ramadan, when the number of daily meals decreases, it is necessary to try to consume main and snack meals without skipping, especially in order to maintain the balance of your health, body and slowing metabolism. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, which dietitians emphasize so that it becomes a habit. In Ramadan, sahur replaces breakfast. That’s why it’s very important. Diet Formula dietitian E. Yasemin Batmaca emphasizes that being able to eat healthy in Ramadan is not just about iftar, but it is necessary to pay attention to nutrition from the start of sahur. For example, he summarizes what should be eaten in sahur as follows:
Having breakfast at sahur is one of the most preferred types of food. Whole grain bread, cheese, olives should definitely be on the sahur table. If there is no diabetes, natural jam, honey or molasses can also be eaten, provided that it is not consumed excessively. In addition, tomatoes, cucumbers, red and green peppers, parsley, cress, arugula and other greens can be consumed. This breakfast contains carbohydrates, fat, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
A meal that includes toast or sandwich with cereal, preferably prebiotic yogurt, plenty of salad or vegetables will also be satisfying and easy to digest.
A menu consisting of non-fat vegetable meals, multigrain bread, preferably prebiotic or low-fat/non-fat yogurt can also be satiating as it contains fiber.
Whole-grain foods containing carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals (whole-grain breakfast cereals or products such as muesli, wholemeal, oat, rye or multi-grain bread) and fruit that are not excessive can be consumed.
One-eighth slice of the medium pita, which is one of the special foods for Ramadan, replaces a slice of bread. And it must be said that eating a large piece of pita will not cause problems. The point to note here is that since pita is usually made with white flour, it raises blood sugar faster than brown bread.