What is the ruling on brushing your teeth during Ramadan? As we know, fasting requires you to abstain from food, drink, desires, anger, and anything that could break the fast from dawn until sunset.
Intentionally putting something in your mouth and swallowing it can invalidate the fast. So, can you brush your teeth while fasting?
As you prepare for Ramadan, understand the rule on brushing your teeth clearly so you no longer have doubts. Read on for a complete explanation!
Is Brushing Your Teeth While Fasting Allowed?
As mentioned earlier, fasting refrains you from putting objects in the mouth that could be swallowed. This raises the recurring question each Ramadan: Does brushing your teeth while fasting invalidate the fast?
Scholars have differing opinions on this matter. Some believe brushing your teeth while fasting is permissible, while others think differently.
Addressing this debate, Cholil Nafis, Chair of the Da'wah Division of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), stated that brushing your teeth while fasting is allowed. Similarly, Ustadz Khalid Basalamah, in a short lecture, affirmed that brushing teeth is permissible as long as nothing is swallowed.
Dr. Ismail Yahya, Dean of the State Islamic Institute (IAIN), supports this view. He explains that brushing teeth involves introducing something into the mouth solely for cleanliness, which is removed once the oral cavity feels clean.
This explanation clearly states that brushing your teeth while fasting is allowed, provided no water or toothpaste is swallowed. However, if even a small amount is ingested, intentionally or not, it can break the fast.
Ultimately, the permissibility of brushing teeth during fasting depends on the intention. If the goal is purely to maintain oral hygiene without swallowing anything, then it is considered lawful.
When Is the Best Time to Brush Your Teeth While Fasting?
Although brushing your teeth while fasting is permissible, religious scholars recommend doing so at specific times to avoid the risk of invalidating the fast. So, when is the best time to brush your teeth while fasting?
According to Cholil Nafis, it is best to brush your teeth before noon. Brushing after Zuhr is considered makruh (discouraged) as it goes against the virtues of fasting.
From a medical perspective, experts recommend brushing your teeth about an hour after suhoor and again at night before bed. After breaking the fast, it's best to wait about 30 minutes before brushing, especially if you've consumed acidic foods or drinks.
The Right Way to Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is recommended while fasting. However, it's equally important to do it correctly. Here are some helpful tips for brushing your teeth properly:
- Choose a fluoride toothpaste that suits your needs.
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Gently brush from front to back in small circular motions.
- Clean both the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth, especially the parts you use to chew.
- For the inner front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and move it up and down.
- Don't forget to brush your tongue to remove food residue.
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash.
Tips for Keeping Your Breath Fresh While Fasting
Now that you know brushing your teeth is allowed while fasting, here are some additional tips to keep your mouth fresh throughout the day:
1. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene cannot be solved by brushing your teeth alone. You should also clean your tongue and floss regularly to remove plaque and bacteria.
Additionally, rinsing your mouth with ablution water before prayers can help keep it fresh and comfortable.
2. Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables stimulate saliva production, keeping your mouth moist and cleaning away bacteria that cause bad breath.
3. Drink Enough Water
Prevent dry mouth by drinking at least 2 liters (8 glasses) of water daily. During fasting, follow the 2-4-2 hydration method, which includes two glasses at iftar, four glasses before bedtime, and two glasses at suhoor.
4. Additional tips
Apart from the 3 tips above, you can also keep your mouth fresh by implementing the following tips:
- Avoid excessively salty or spicy foods that can cause dehydration and indigestion.
- Limit sticky sweets like candy and chocolate, especially before bed.
- Use siwak, a sunnah practice, which has antibacterial properties that help reduce plaque and gingivitis.
- Brush your teeth after suhoor.
- If your mouth feels dry, rinse with water (without swallowing). Alcohol-free mouthwash is also allowed but use it carefully.
- If you wear dentures, clean them with an antiseptic solution.
That’s all you need to know about brushing teeth while fasting. By maintaining good oral hygiene and staying hydrated, you can keep your mouth fresh and comfortable while fasting.
Don’t forget to drink #AQUADULU to stay hydrated and avoid dry mouth. AQUA is 100% pure mountain mineral water, created by nature for the holy month.
We hope you find this guide helpful. Happy fasting and see you with more interesting articles soon!
