Going to the dentist during fasting: what is allowed and what is not?

Ramadan asks a lot of discipline, including of your daily routine. But oral health does not have to be put on hold during this period. At Tandarts West in Rotterdam West we treat fasting patients every day, and most of the questions they ask turn out to be straightforward to answer once you know what the guidelines say and how we work in practice.

Religious guidelines briefly explained

The large majority of Islamic scholars agree on the basic principles: knowingly eating, drinking or swallowing something breaks the fast. What happens unintentionally, such as inhaling a scent or automatically swallowing saliva, does not count. This principle guides what is and is not possible during a dental visit.

The Mufti office of the KNMT and international Islamic health councils issued a joint guideline on this topic in 2021. The core message: dental care that does not allow fluid to run into the throat does not break the fast.

Oral care continues, even during Ramadan. The trick is smart planning and clear communication.

Which treatments are allowed?

The following treatments can take place without any problem during fasting:

• Six-monthly check-up: Inspection, X-rays and advice. No fluid in the mouth that is swallowed.
• Dental cleaning: Our dental hygienist uses a water spray, but with proper suction all fluid stays in the mouth without being swallowed.
• Small fillings: Composite fillings are placed under a rubber dam (a rubber sheet). No fluid reaches your throat.
• Local anesthesia: An injection in the gums. Fluid does not reach the throat.
• X-rays and scans: Completely non-invasive.

Which treatments are better postponed?

Some treatments require more caution or a lot of rinsing. If there is room in your schedule, these can be better planned outside the fasting period:

• Root canal treatments: A lot of rinsing with antibacterial fluids, difficult to keep fluid out of the throat entirely.
• Implants and major surgical procedures: Risk of post-operative bleeding and recovery medication can complicate fasting.
• In-practice teeth whitening: Bleaching gel can irritate and the treatment is not a medical necessity.
• Major crown or bridge placement: Often multiple appointments with temporary fillings, planning is easier outside Ramadan.

These are guidelines, not prohibitions. If you prefer to continue your treatment plan, we will discuss together what is sensible for your situation.

Smart planning during Ramadan

Three time windows work best for patients who are fasting:

1. Early morning, just after Suhoor

Between 08:00 and 09:30 you have just woken up, your mouth is fresh and your energy is still high. Many patients book their check-ups in this period.

2. Late afternoon, just before Iftar

Between 15:00 and 16:30 you can already feel the finish line approaching. Any mild sensitivity after a treatment can be rinsed away later with your Iftar meal.

3. Evening, after Iftar

For those who prefer to come in feeling refreshed: between 19:00 and 20:30 there are sometimes wider availability. Please ask when making your appointment if this is possible.

Oral hygiene during fasting

A frequently heard concern: a whole day without eating or drinking feels like a dry day for your mouth. That is correct. Saliva production drops, and with it the natural protection against bacteria. A few simple adjustments help:

• Brush just before Suhoor: Plaque that builds up during the day will not get a clean base if you skip brushing in the evening.
• Brush again after Iftar: Wait 30 minutes after eating so that the acids are less aggressive on your enamel.
• Clean with a cotton swab, not with water: During fasting you can carefully clean the outside of your teeth with a moist cotton swab without swallowing any fluid.
• Drink enough between Iftar and Suhoor: Dehydration makes bad breath worse and speeds up plaque buildup. Aim for 2 litres of water per night.
• Avoid sugary Iftar snacks: Classic problem: a date is wonderful to break your fast with, but three dates in a row leave a lot of sugar around your teeth.

What does Tandarts West do for patients during Ramadan?

With a diverse patient base and 6+ languages spoken by our team, we are used to accommodating religious and cultural practices. In practical terms that means:

• Flexible scheduling: During Ramadan we reserve extra morning and late afternoon slots for fasting patients.
• Extra suction: Dentists place suction equipment as close as possible to rule out water reaching the throat.
• Transparent consultation: Before each treatment we explicitly ask: are you fasting? We plan accordingly.
• Referral when needed: If you have doubts about religious guidelines, we refer you to imams from your own community so that the advice fits your context.
• Emergencies first: In case of severe pain or acute symptoms, medical necessity takes the lead. Call 010 846 6539 and we will return your call the same day.

Finally: fasting is a personal experience. What feels comfortable for one patient may be difficult for another. At Tandarts West Rotterdam we think along, plan smartly, and make sure your oral health does not have to suffer during a meaningful spiritual period.