Sakina Syed discusses the potential oral health impacts of fasting during Ramadan and how dental professionals can help their patients combat them.
Ramadan is a significant religious period that involves daily fasting from dawn (suhoor) until sunset (iftar) for approximately one lunar month. During this time, individuals refrain from eating food and drinks between these times.
As dental professionals, an understanding of the physiological and metabolic effects of fasting, particularly on blood glucose regulation, energy metabolism, and hydration, is essential to providing safe, effective, and culturally acceptable care.
Those who are pregnant or medically compromised are exempt from fasting. Fasting alters normal daily routines, which can have both systemic and oral health implications relevant to dental treatment.
