Expert gives advice for a fresh breath while fasting.

The photo was used for illustration purposes.

Shamila Jamaluddin, rapporteur

An orthodontist gives advice on fresh breath and oral health during fasting.

Dr. Khalid Alameri, consultant for orthodontics and head of the Healthpoint Dental Clinic, explained that fasting and therefore fluid deprivation can lead to the development of oral bacteria, the main cause of halitosis, tooth decay and cavities gums

"Most mouth odors come from the tongue, so it's helpful to use a lip scraper twice a day."

The fight against dehydration is especially important to avoid bad breath, says dr. Khalid. In addition to drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding salt, caffeine and diuretics outside of the fasting hours, there are steps to prevent the dry mouth.

"If you take care not to swallow liquid, fasting is not rinsed with mouthwash or water, but some people feel uncomfortable with it and can therefore use Miswak sticks to clean a natural branch of teeth to stimulate salivation."

The four main tips from Dr. Khalid for a fresh breath while fasting are brushing and flossing after Iftar and Suhoor. During fasting, use a blender, a stir bar, and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Use an oral probiotic to restore the loss of healthy bacteria by using too much mouthwash and breaking your fast break. Avoid onions, garlic, tobacco and other common causes of halitosis.

dental care

The mothers of young children and new parents often ask, "How often and when should my son visit a dentist for the first time?

Dr. Shifa Saleem, a dentist at Abu Dhabi's Corniche Gate Medical Center, told Gulf Today, "Many children have had cavities since the age of two, but tooth decay is not the only issue parents need to know about - the dental health of their children."

"At the age of two years, the main teeth - the onset of the baby teeth is finished.The duration of tooth eruption may vary from child to child.It is always advisable to perform a dental examination in small children to prevent or control cavities small children.

Dr. Saleem said, "Children between the ages of six and twelve are in their" ugly duckling phase "when their baby teeth fall and the new teeth, the last teeth, appear delayed tooth eruption, persistent teeth grinding, loss of canine teeth, loss of permanent teeth, poor oral hygiene, etc.

In addition, milk teeth begin to fall at the age of six or seven, and at the age of twelve, all baby teeth are exfoliated.

"The duration of the eruption and the flaking of the teeth may vary from child to child." In the case of molar teeth, we may need to pull it out to facilitate the penetration of permanent teeth, "he joked.

She advises them to deal with the handling of food, hygiene and fluorine to avoid problems. It also encourages them to avoid foods high in sugar, especially sticky and sugary foods such as chocolates and raisins. "The longer the sugar stays in contact with the teeth, the more sugar causes damage.

"Mozzarella and other cheeses, peanuts, yogurt, unsweetened milk and chewing gum (especially xylitol) are good for the teeth, they help remove harmful sugars from the mouth and protect against plaque from meals," he adds.

Dr. Saleem recommends that you do not chew at bedtime, as eating on your teeth causes more cavities at night. "Saliva production goes back during sleep, saliva does not cleanse the mouth well during sleep," he noted.

Children need the following recommended calcium intake: 1 to 3 years: 700 mg per day, 4 to 8 years: 1,000 mg per day, 9 to 18 years: 1,300 mg per day Milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products are good calcium sources. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the bones and teeth. It is naturally present in small amounts in many vegetables, including cucumbers, spinach, carrots, etc.

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