Healthy Inspirations
Fasting, Say No to Bad Breath
Mon, 18 Mar 2024In addition to hunger and thirst, bad breath during fasting can also be a deterrent to socializing. Let's discuss the causes and how to overcome it!
Causes of Bad Breath during Fasting:
Unpleasant mouth odor during fasting can make us less confident and reluctant to interact with others. The reason? During fasting, our saliva production decreases, making the mouth drier. Saliva is beneficial for cleaning food residues that can cause bad breath. Moreover, during fasting, we tend to snack more on foods that can cause bad breath, such as garlic.
Tips to Overcome Bad Breath during Fasting:
Brush teeth and tongue diligently: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, after the pre-dawn meal and before going to bed at night. Don't forget to clean your tongue too, as it is a gathering place for bacteria that cause bad breath.
Use mouthwash: Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to kill the bacteria causing bad breath.
Drink plenty of water: Make sure you drink enough water during the pre-dawn meal and breaking the fast. This can help increase saliva production and avoid dry mouth.
Eat fruits and vegetables: Fruits like apples, pears, oranges, and melons can help increase saliva production. So, add these to your pre-dawn and breaking fast menu.
Avoid strong-smelling foods: Foods like garlic can cause bad breath. If you eat these, brush your teeth immediately afterward.
Stop smoking: Smoking can cause unpleasant mouth odor and is bad for your health.
Check your teeth with a dentist: Make sure there are no cavities or other dental problems that cause bad breath. If necessary, a Panoramic or CBCT examination can be performed.
If bad breath persists, there may be other medical issues. Consult with a dentist or an internist for further treatment. Don't let bad breath be a barrier to your activities during fasting!