Oral and Dental Health Specialist Dt. Eylül Mercan Arslan made statements about dental problems that can be seen during Ramadan. Dt. Arslan drew attention to the reasons for increasing dental health problems during Ramadan and the methods of preventing these problems.
Stating that decreasing water consumption during Ramadan may increase dental problems, Dt. Arslan said, “Our saliva provides an antibacterial defense by washing the mouth. Due to the decrease in water consumption during Ramadan, there is a decrease in the ability of our saliva to fulfill this duty. This may cause undesirable problems such as tooth decay, gum problems and bad breath. In addition, during Ramadan, sweet, “The increase in our coffee and tea consumption may trigger these problems,” he said.
TEA AND COFFEE CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE REDUCED
Dt. Arslan shared the following information about how we can prevent dental health problems during Ramadan:
“It is very important that we increase our water consumption as much as possible between iftar and sahur. Tea and coffee increase water excretion from the body. Therefore, the consumption of these drinks should be reduced as much as possible. We should brush our teeth after iftar and sahur, food residues accumulated on the interfaces of the teeth should be removed using dental floss as they will cause both caries and bad breath, and a non-alcoholic mouthwash should be used to prevent dry mouth. “We should definitely brush our tongue as the bacteria accumulated on the tongue plays a big role in the formation of bad breath.”
CHEW SUGAR-FREE GUM AFTER Iftar
Stating that you can chew gum after iftar, Dt. Arslan said, “During the time we are fasting, decreased chewing functions cause a decrease in saliva secretion in the mouth. “Chewing sugar-free gum between iftar and sahur fights both against the formation of cavities and bad breath as it will help our body secrete more saliva,” he said.
SMOKING NEGATIVELY AFFECTS GUM HEALTH
Pointing out that smoking also negatively affects gum health, Dt. Arslan said, “Smoking is a substance that is very harmful to both gum health and general health. “Seeing Ramadan as an opportunity and quitting smoking will be one of the best investments you can make for your health,” he said.
DOCTOR’S CHECK SHOULD NOT BE NEGLECTED
Referring to the importance of physician control, Dt. Arslan said, “Having a dentist check-up during Ramadan prevents a possible illness from being triggered during these months. Bleeding in the gums is one of the first signs of gum disease. “If you notice this situation, you should definitely see your dentist,” he said. (DHA)
