Dr Najat Abdrabbo Alyafei
The mouth is the gateway to the whole body. On account of this attribute, a healthy mouth is essential for a healthy body. Our mouth harbours around 700 species of diverse microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. The structure of our mouth provides many unique surfaces for these microbes to establish and proliferate. These niches include teeth, gums, tongue, cheek, hard and soft plate. While most microbes are harmless, some others can cause problems like tooth decay or gum diseases.
The oral microbes usually accumulate in the form of a biofilm called “Dental Plaque”. In the biofilm, there are numerous, helpful, harmless microbes which prevent the dangerous diseases causing microbes from establishing a foothold, by keeping a check on their growth. Hence, it can be said that the oral microbes are in a state of balance, also known as homeostasis. When this balance is disturbed either due to poor oral hygiene, poor diet and other health issues, it can cause the harmful microbes to take over the harmless microbe and produce diseases. One of the most essential means to prevent this imbalance is the deliberate, meticulous removal of the biofilm/ dental plaque by good oral hygiene. It is recommended to thoroughly brush all the surfaces of the teeth with a toothbrush and fluoridated tooth paste and use dental floss to remove the microbes and food lodged between the teeth.
For over 7000 years Miswak, a twig made from the Salvadora persica tree has been reported to be used for cleaning teeth. The use of the miswak was frequently advocated by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), 1400 years ago. One of the hadith [tradition relating to the life of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)] states, “Make a regular practice of Miswak for verily it is the purification for the mouth and a means of the pleasure of the Lord”.
The use of Miswak has dual benefits. It not only helps to remove the biofilm/dental plaque by the physical cleansing action of the fibers, but also the chemical substances in the twig provide numerous therapeutic benefits. Silica acts as abrasive material that removes stains and deposits from the tooth surface, tannic acid has astringent effect, essential oils and alkaloids have bactericidal effect, Vitamin C helps in healing and repair of gums, Calcium and fluoride ions help to restore minerals lost from tooth structure due to tooth decay. Miswak significantly helps to reduce bad breath.
It is important to realize that the mouth of a fasting person may become dehydrated during fasting and this results in bad breath. As the person refrains from drinking water or any food during the fast, there is reduction in the flow of saliva inside the mouth. Diseases of the nose, mouth, liver, kidney, respiratory tract, gastroesophageal reflux disease and some metabolic diseases like diabetes may be other possible underlying causes for bad breath.
Most commonly, bad breath during Ramadan is caused due to food residues trapped between the teeth or cavities. These may even get dislodged during the fasting time by the movement of the tongue and maybe inadvertently swallowed. This can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and having the cavities filled up by the dentist.
Messenger of God, Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), stated in a hadith that “Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” This statement must not be misinterpreted. The breath of a fasting person who purifies his mouth by brushing/using miswak is not the same as the bad breath emerging from the mouth of a person who brushes infrequently or completely neglects cleaning his mouth. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has compared the smell from the mouth of the former to the smell of musk.
During the month of Ramadan, it is advised to clean the teeth after the pre-dawn meal (suhoor), before going to bed at night, and frequently gargle and use miswak throughout the day. It is permissible to use a toothbrush and toothpaste, provided the toothpaste is not swallowed.
Consumption of sweet dishes increases considerably during the month of Ramadan. Care should be taken to limit the frequency of consumption of sweets and choose other healthy options like fresh fruits. Also, children, in particular, should be advised to brush their teeth after intake of sweets.
Having dental treatments like fillings, extractions, cleaning the teeth, etc., does not invalidate the fast. During the current corona pandemic, in any dental emergency during Ramadan, e.g., severe toothache, a person can visit the dentist and seek dental treatment while fasting.
Good health begins with a healthy mouth. Ramadan is a special month for Muslims, but this should not deter Muslims from maintaining good oral hygiene daily or seeking dental treatment when needed. Additionally, by using miswak, we can also be rewarded for following the sunnah of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
Dr. Najat Alyafei is a PhD in Health Studies
