Fasting is an important process and is considered highly beneficial for the body as well the mind.The relationship between fasting and oral hygiene is a positive one. Reducing the frequency of snacking reduces the risk for dental cavities. Fasting can not only maintain the quality of your oral health, but it can improve and regulate it over time.
These days, it seems like people change their diet as often as they (should) change their toothbrush.
Different diet will have different impact on your oral health, since your food literally passes through your mouth. Different foods will have either a positive or a negative affect on your teeth .Your diet can increase your likelihood of bad breath (we’re not just talking about garlic), increase the risk of tooth decay and even make your mouth more susceptible to infection. On the other hand, some diets contain foods that are specifically beneficial for the health of your teeth.
While there are many merits of fasting there may be demerits as well.
Due to fasting, dehydration occurs, which leads to motley of oral health problems.
⇝ There is an increase in the concentration of Sulphur containing compounds present in the mouth. This leads to a noticeable, powerful pungent breath.
⇝ Due to the reduced quantity of saliva production during fasts, tartar and plaque build-up occur which lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
⇝ For denture wearers, dentures in the mouth while fasting can cause ulcers on the gums where the dentures rest and can also contribute to halitosis or bad breath.
THESE FEW TIPS SHOULD BE A PART OF OUR DAILY ROUTINE TO PREVENT BAD BREATH:
1.Brush your teeth twice daily.
2.Use a tongue scraper or a brush to scrape your tongue gently. This removes the layer of debris or mucus from tongue which would otherwise lead to a bad odor.
3.If you wear dentures, wash them regularly and allow them to be moist while seating the dentures in the mouth to keep your gums hydrated. This reduces the ulceration that could occur.
4. Rinse your mouth every four hours to prevent dehydration.
5.Dehydration occurs during fasting which leads to bad breath. So remember to multiply the consumption of fresh water, soups, juices and fresh fruits such as watermelon, musk melon, strawberries during non-fasting hours to stay hydrated.
6.Chewing mint leaves or parsley in the non-fasting hours is a natural solution to cool and refresh the mouth.
⇝ Brush right after your meals.
⇝ Gargle with salt water after brushing to prevent bacterial development.
⇝ Use dental floss to clean up the remnants of your food which are stuck between your teeth and gums.
⇝ Use mouthwash only if prescribed by your dentist.
⇝ Cut down on caffeine intake (coffee, tea and all other caffeinated drinks) because they cause dehydration and also tend to stain teeth.
⇝ Avoid spicy food.
⇝ Eat fruits and vegetables as they are rich in fiber. These help to re-mineralize your teeth.
⇝ Avoid sticky foods such as chocolates and cheese as they might get stuck between teeth.
⇝ Try to reduce the consumption of sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods to minimize the amount of acid which is being produced in oral cavity.
⇝ Stay hydrated, because water allows the mouth to salivate which reduces decay and bad breath.
