Dental Treatment in Ramadan- Yes or No?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.
Muslims around the world would practice fasting, contribute to charity, and religious
activities.

Also, it is a month to develop self-restraint, strengthen faith to God, and appreciate all life blessings.
During this special period, many Muslim friends would defer dental treatment despite the urgency.
However, does dental treatment really invalidate fasting?

What are the permissible and non-permissible dental procedures?

Common dental procedures that are Permissible:

1. Scaling & polishing

2. Fillings

3. Extraction*

4. Injection (Topical & Local Anesthetic)

5. Mouthwash prescription *

6. Pulp capping/root canal procedures

7. Topical fluoride

*Extraction is permissible. It is advisable to adjust the appointment to close to hours of breaking fast (buka puasa), so that patients can take their painkillers/other medications orally.

*Mouthwash must be used with caution (not to be swallowed). Alternative will be used whenever feasible

Source:Is Dental Treatment Allowed in Ramadan? – Mind-blowing facts(https://toothbright.co/dental-treatment-ramadhan/)

​Non-permissible dental procedures:

1. Oral medications

2. Intra-oral gel and lozenges (eg. for ulcers, oral thrush)

ALERT: Any medications taken by swallowing (painkiller, antibiotic, etc) will break the fast.

*Unless the patient will become ill or harmed without the medications, these prescriptions should be scheduled after breaking the fast. (according to MIMS, Fasting Month Dental Considerations)

Fikah Perubatan (Fiqh Medic):

"Mencabut gigi, menampal gigi, mencuci gigi atau menggosok gigi dengan siwak ataupun memberus gigi tidak membatalkan puasa selagi mana tidak masuk ke dalam halkum (ditelan)"

—-English Translation—-

"Extraction, filling, scaling or brushing teeth doesn't invalidate the fast as long as it does not involve swallowing"

•  e-Fatwa -Garis Panduan Berpuasa bagi pesakit :

"Melakukan prosedur tampalan gigi, cabutan atau pembersihan gigi dan memberus gigi dengan siwak dengan syarat individu yang berpuasa tidak menelan apa-apa bahan semasa prosedur rawatan tersebut tidak membatalkan puasa."

—-English Translation—-

"Undergoing procedures like dental fillings, extractions, teeth cleaning or brushing teeth with siwak ,do not invalidate the fast, provided that fasting individual does not swallow any material while undergoing the treatment."

Brushing and proper cleaning after sahur(pre-dawn meal) and before sleeping at night are essential to keep your teeth from decay.

While fasting, one tends to get bad breath due to dehydration. Remember to increase water intake after breaking the fast.

Do not skip dental appointment if your procedures are permissible!

Thank you for reading.

Author Bio: Toothbright