Uganda: How to Keep Your Breath Fresh During the Fasting Season
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The Monitor (Kampala)
4 September 2008
Posted to the web 4 September 2008
Kakaire Ayoub Kirunda
To the Muslim faithful, it is the ninth month (Ramadhan) of the Islamic calendar, the time of the year when it becomes obligatory to observe fasting.
While Islamic fasting has got deeper spiritual meaning, it can literally be understood as the abstaining "completely" from foods, drinks, sexual intercourse, and smoking, just before the break of dawn till sunset, during the entire month of Ramadhan.
However, one familiar issue that comes with fasting is what is referred to as "bad breath" or what the medics call halitosis.
Whereas halitosis can be caused by ailments such as diabetes, kidney disease and stomach upset, which are known as systemic causes, the condition mostly arises as a result of local causes with in the mouth.
And with many people fasting having the kind of chronic ailments cited above, it is mostly the local causes in the mouth that are synonymous with halitosis experienced during Ramadhan.
But what does Islam exactly say about bad breath that comes with fasting? According to the chair of the organisation Markaz Da'wat al Islamia of Uganda and also the deputy Imam of Taqwa Mosque in Jinja, Sheik Izuddin Kibirige, the smell -if it is not an inconvenience to others- of a fasting person is the best before the eyes of Allah, "Islam is a religion of cleanliness and hygiene."
Citing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, the sheikh says the prophet said that were it not for the hardship that he would be placing upon "my people", he would have ordered Muslims to engage in Siwak (brushing) for every prayer.
"And the fact that when cleansing ourselves for prayers we have to wash our mouths, it is very obvious that he was indirectly telling us to brush. It is very clear that when one doesn't wash their mouths, then they are not ready for prayer. That is the importance of cleanliness in Islam," Sheikh Kibirige explained.
Medically, halitosis causing bacteria thrive due to poor oral hygiene caused by not brushing or improper tooth brushing technique, a dirty tongue, cavities in the teeth, gum disease caused by plaque and tartar, dirty dentures, false teeth and other fixed appliances in the mouth. According to familyhealth.org, the above situation arises out of food sticking between the teeth, around the gums and on the tongue.
Also, the things one eats and drinks affect breath. Common examples of foods and beverages that may cause bad breath include onions, garlic, cheese, certain spices, orange juice and soda.
None-the-less, fasting Muslims can minimise bad breath by taking into account a couple of actions just before and during the fasting hours. It is advised that soon after the pre-dawn meal (sehri/daku), one should brush their teeth and thoroughly clean the tongue as well.
Relevant Links
Dental flossing (cleaning in between the teeth) is also encouraged after meals. Similarly, cavities in the teeth need to be filled to avoid food accumulation. Regular brushing in the course of the day is also permissible but caution must be taken not to allow the water to go down the stomach as best as one can.
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Copyright © 2008 The Monitor. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections -- or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
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