Ramadan is a month for discipline, self-control, patience and good behaviour.In the holy fasting month, Muslims are expected by their fasting to become more pious and grow closer to God. Allah, Most High, says in the Holy Qur'an: 'O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off evil. (Surat Al-Baqara [Chapter of the Cow] 2: 183). “Every Muslim, man or woman, yearns to gain Allah's forgiveness and mercy in Ramadan. Therefore, he or she should observe the holy fasting month's ethics and rules,” says Dr Youssef Abdel-Ghaffar, who holds a PhD in oral medicine, periodontology and diagnosis, Cairo University. "Of course, life doesn't stop during the day in Ramadan, with many people wanting dental treatment while they're fasting,” adds Dr Abdel- Ghaffar. Patients typically ask the following questions: “Doctor, can I use toothpaste, while fasting during Ramadan? Doctor, can I have a dental check-up while fasting? Do injections invalidate my fasting?” Many other questions have to be answered too. Afatwa (a religious edict) on fasting and dental treatment during Ramadan daytime sheds some light on this. What invalidates fasting when I go to the dentist? “Your fasting is invalidated if you swallow water, blood or other matter. If not, it's fine to go to the dentist during daylight hours in Ramadan,” says Dr Abdel-Ghaffar. “Injections in the oral cavity, as well as fillings and other procedures, are safe as long as there is no swallowing. “Of course, it is safer to have dental treatment after Iftar [a fast-breaking meal], but there's no problem as long as you don't swallow. You can also have teeth extracted, as long as you don't swallow blood or anything else. "Using a toothbrush or siwak during daylight hours in Ramadan is also permitted, but you mustn't swallow any toothpaste or water. The same applies to mouthwashes. “People who suffer from bleeding gums, especially during daytime after brushing, should also avoid swallowing.”
