How to tackle bad breath during fasting
With the right oral care routine and minor lifestyle adjustments, it can help maintain fresh breath throughout a fasting period.
WHILE fasting has well-documented physical and spiritual benefits, it has been noted that it can also have an unwelcome side effect – bad breath.
Fasting is practised worldwide for religious, spiritual, and health reasons and has grown in popularity in recent years with the rise of intermittent fasting.
In South Africa during Ramadan, an estimated one million Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee, prosthodontist at Matrix Dental Specialists in Cape Town, explained that during fasting, saliva production naturally decreases, creating a dry mouth – a perfect environment for odour-causing bacteria to thrive.
“Saliva is one of the mouth’s best natural defences. It neutralises acids, washes away bacteria and food particles.
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“When saliva lessens, bacteria multiply, increasing volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in the mouth – the main culprit behind bad breath.”
He said fasting can also lead to dehydration, exacerbating dry mouth, increasing plaque build-up and intensifying bad breath.
“Not drinking water can cause dehydration, which reduces saliva production and worsens dry mouth, increasing the risk of bad breath. A letter published in the British Dental Journal (2024) highlights that staying well-hydrated when fasting supports saliva flow.”
How to maintain fresh breath while fasting
According to Dr Haffajee, good hydration, diet and oral care can minimise the risk of bad breath while fasting.
To stay hydrated, he said one should drink plenty of water outside fasting hours to maintain saliva production and prevent dry mouth.
“People should break the fast with fresh, hydrating foods, they should also reduce consumption of caffeine and carbonated drinks, which can dehydrate the body and contribute to bad breath.
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“People who are fasting should also limit strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, and highly spiced dishes.”
He said avoiding excessive sugar and processed carbs, which fuel odour-causing bacteria, also helps prevent bad breath.
“Chew sugar-free gum (after fasting hours) to help stimulate saliva flow and freshen breath,” added the doctor.
Below, Dr Haffajee shares ideal oral care routine while fasting:
· Brush twice daily – brush before and after breaking fast, for at least two minutes.
· Use a tongue cleaner
· Floss or use interdental brushes
· Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash
· Replace your toothbrush
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