Oral Health of Fasting Muslims

Abstract

<strong>Introduction:</strong> It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of dental disease. There are lot of changes in lifestyle and food consumption patterns during the muslim fasting of 30 days during month of Ramadan. This study focuses to find the oral hygiene practices and perceptions of fasting individuals. <strong>Methods:</strong> A questionnaire based study was conducted on 305 individuals. Questionnaire consists of two parts Part A constituted of details about the demographic status of the participants, Part B consisted of 10 questions regarding their practices of oral hygiene and perceptions of oral health during the fasting period. Answers of the participants were evaluated the responses to each question were tabulated in Ms excel software and tabulated to the percentage strength. <strong>Results:</strong> The results show that participants keep a good oral health during Ramadan. Most of the participants brushes at least once or twice every day during Ramadan. Some patients complain about halitosis during Ramadan. <strong>Conclusion: </strong> Good oral health is essential for the well being of the individual. No compromise should be made on regular oral hygiene maintains during fasting time.