Some Muslim patients may wrongly perceive that some actions or occurrences that take place within the dental clinic may invalidate their fast. Some examples include the administration of local anaesthetic (injections) or inadvertent swallowing of the water spray from a handpiece during treatment. Some individuals try to not even swallow their own saliva and perceive putting
a foreign object such as the toothbrush as invalidating their fast. As a result, these patients may refuse clinical oral examination and refuse treatment while fasting!
During the month of Ramadan especially, dental practitioners need to be aware of possible noncompliance among fasting patients. While the Muslim dentists may be able to convince the patients that suchand-such action or occurrence will not invalidate the fast, for dentists who are not Muslims – perhaps it will be better to make allowances to accommodate the practices for these patients.
The following are some actions that Muslim patients may be reluctant to do while fasting:
1. Perform oral hygiene procedures
Patients may fail to brush teeth or use floss (this does not actually invalidate fast) as usual
Dentists’s option: Remind patient to brush and floss thoroughly before sleeping at night and recommend brushing after the pre-dawn meal (sahur/sehri). Twice a day brushing is sufficient for oral disease prevention
2. Take medication
Patients may fail to take prescribed medication during fasting hours, take all medication outside fasting hours, hence at incorrect intervals or take allmedication in one go, particularly if several different medications are prescribed
Dentists’s options:
• Change medication
• Change dosage
• Explain necessity of compliance with prescribed
medication
DO NOT CHANGE prescribed medications for systemic problems without first referring to
patient’s physician
3. Carry out dental treatment
Dental treatment is not likely to invalidate the fast. This includes scaling, restorations and extractions. Islam is a religion that does not makes things difficult
for its followers; rather the guidelines provided are meant to benefit the people. However, as discussed earlier, some patients may be reluctant to carry out
certain procedures due to different perceptions and ways of thinking. So rather than getting into an arguments with their patients, dentists may well try
to accommodate their wishes. (But not before we try to educate them, of course! – That way patients get to undergo the necessary treatment)
4. Oral malodor (bad breath) and fasting
During fasting, it is not unexpected that the mouth becomes dry. This naturally results in malodor. Poor oral hygiene care will indeed make it even worse. A practical way of overcoming it is to ensure patients, even during fasting, to still brush their teeth and floss
as usual to keep the mouth feeling fresh and clean. Mouthrinsing is also permissible as long as patients don’t overdo it! Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash as it will dry out the mouth. Drinking plenty of water and fruits during the night or at sahur/sehri can help to
keep the body stay hydrated and healthy. It is also worthy to examine the whole mouth for any dental or oral manifestations that may be contributing to
the malodor such like dental caries, infection and/or discharges.
With Muslim smokers already refraining from smoking during daylight hours in Ramadan, a number of health experts and officials say that the fasting is the perfect opportunity to kick the habit for good. Islamic groups around the world including Malaysia are already encouraging Muslims to take advantage of the holy month to quit smoking. And many have succeeded. Caring dentists should also take the opportunity to encourage their smoking patients to quit in Ramadan, and stay quit!
Oral medication: Not permissible
Medication by injection: Permissible
Mouthwash: Permissible
Varnish (sustained-release of fluoride): Permissible
Pulp capping medicaments: Permissible
Local anaesthesia: Permissible
.