While fasting, bad breath usually increases as iftar time approaches. This may occur as a result of the proliferation of bacteria accumulated in the mouth and food residues remaining in the mouth for a long time. In particular, decreased thirst and saliva production can cause dry mouth, which can contribute to increased bad breath.
What causes bad breath while fasting?
Fasting has many benefits. Physically, the body is cleansed, the digestive system is rested, and mentally focus is increased. Fasting also reinforces human values such as generosity, solidarity and empathy. Feeling hunger and thirst enables empathy. The spiritual aspect of fasting increases a person’s closeness to God. The month of Ramadan, a time when worship increases, the Quran is read more frequently and prayers are made more, is a great spiritual opportunity for Muslims. Fasting strengthens a person’s devotion to God and helps spiritual renewal. There are several reasons for bad breath while fasting. Causes of bad breath while fasting can be listed as follows:
- While fasting, saliva flow decreases. Saliva helps clean bacteria in the mouth and prevent dry mouth. When saliva flow decreases, bacteria begin to multiply and bad breath occurs.
- While fasting, the body begins to burn fat. During this fat burning process, a chemical substance is produced. This item may cause.
- Stomach acid may increase while fasting. Stomach acid can cause bacteria to grow, which can cause bad breath.
How to eliminate bad breath while fasting?
For Muslims, fasting during Ramadan provides an opportunity to celebrate and live a month of patience, endurance and prayer, as well as strengthening their faith. For Muslims, fasting is not just about not eating or drinking, it is also an opportunity to avoid bad habits, strengthen their spirituality and increase social solidarity.
Bad breath is a common problem while fasting during Ramadan. Fortunately, there are a few things that can be done to alleviate this problem.
“What gets rid of bad breath while fasting?” Here are a few suggestions to the question:
- Brush your teeth regularly. While you are fasting, you can brush your teeth without passing water or paste into your throat. Presidency of Religious Affairs High Council of Religious Affairs on this issue “Rinsing the mouth with water without getting water into the throat does not break the fast, and brushing the teeth does not break the fast either (al-Fatawa’l-Hindiyye, 1/202). However, if toothpaste or water gets into the throat, the fast is broken. Considering the possibility of breaking the fast, the fast is broken by brushing the teeth. “It would be appropriate to brush before imsak or after iftar, and if you brush while fasting, it would be appropriate not to use paste.” he said.
- To eliminate bad breath while fasting, you can rinse your mouth so that it does not pass through your throat.
- Drinking plenty of water at sahur and after iftar, consuming fibrous foods, and avoiding cigarettes and sugary foods can prevent bad breath while fasting.
What can we eat for sahur without bad breath?
Fasting strengthens a person’s spiritual, mental and physical discipline. By abstaining from eating and drinking, a person learns to control himself, be patient, and strengthen his will. This improves the ability to better cope with the challenges encountered in daily life. Fasting can be challenging at times. Hunger and thirst may be felt, especially in hot weather or long days. Additionally, bad breath can be challenging, especially for people who work or are outside. Some foods that will help prevent bad breath at sahur are:
- Fibrous foods help stimulate saliva production.
- It is important to consume fibrous foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains for sahur.
- Drinking plenty of water at sahur and after iftar should not be neglected.
- Consuming yoghurt at sahur can help prevent bad breath.
- Consuming parsley at sahur, in salads or raw can help prevent bad breath.
- Drinking mint tea or chewing mint leaves at sahur can help prevent bad breath.
- Drinking green tea at sahur can help prevent bad breath.