By Dr. Zareena Moorkan
With more than three decades of experience treating patients across the Middle East, including Sharjah and Dubai, I have seen how Ramadan — a month of reflection, discipline and togetherness — can also bring unexpected challenges for oral health.
Each year during Ramadan, my clinic receives a surge of calls from patients reporting sudden tooth pain, sensitivity or discomfort shortly after iftar. In most cases, the cause is familiar: breaking the fast too quickly with salty foods such as olives or pickles, followed by cold drinks, sugary juices, dates or sticky desserts.
Ramadan meals are joyful and deeply cultural, but changes in eating patterns, combined with long hours of fasting, can take a toll on teeth if care is not taken. With a few mindful adjustments, however, it is possible to enjoy the season while protecting your smile.
Why fasting affects oral health
During fasting hours, the mouth produces less saliva — one of the body’s natural defenses against bacteria and acid. Saliva helps neutralize acids, wash away food particles and protect tooth enamel. When we go many hours without food or water, the mouth becomes drier and more vulnerable.
Breaking the fast with extreme temperatures, acidic foods or hard textures can shock sensitive teeth, irritate gums and even accelerate enamel erosion. Many patients describe sharp pain when biting into cold laban, citrus fruits or crunchy nuts immediately after iftar. The good news is that these problems are largely preventable.
Smarter food habits for Ramadan
I often remind patients that Ramadan is about balance and self-control — values that also apply to eating habits.
Start gently and hydrate well:
Begin iftar with room-temperature water or warm soup to rehydrate slowly and stimulate saliva production. Dates, eaten in moderation, are a traditional and sensible choice. Limiting intake to three to five dates helps avoid excessive sugar exposure.
Strengthen teeth with calcium-rich foods:
Dairy products such as labneh, yogurt and cheese help reinforce enamel. Milk-based desserts like muhallabia are preferable to syrup-soaked sweets. At suhoor, yogurt with eggs or nuts provides protein and calcium without harming teeth.
Choose foods that naturally clean teeth:
Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, cucumbers and carrots help scrub plaque from tooth surfaces. Regional favorites like tabbouleh and fattoush are excellent choices and also help freshen breath.
Stick to balanced meals:
Proteins, whole grains and vegetables are less likely to cling to teeth. Dishes such as grilled fish, lean meats, harees, oats or foul medames are filling and tooth-friendly, especially for suhoor.
Limit constant snacking:
Frequent eating increases acid attacks on teeth. Try to keep to main meals and one light snack. Rinsing the mouth with water after eating helps neutralize acids.
Foods that need extra caution
Some Ramadan staples are more likely to cause dental issues if eaten carelessly.
Sugary and sticky desserts such as kunafa, baklava and qatayef promote cavities because sugar feeds harmful bacteria and clings to teeth. Enjoy them in small portions after meals, and brush later.
Acidic fruits and drinks — including citrus juices, Vimto and jallab — soften enamel, especially when consumed cold. Diluting juices with water and using a straw can reduce contact with teeth.
Salty and pickled foods can worsen dry mouth and irritate gums. Rinsing with water afterward helps counteract this effect.
Carbonated drinks and strong coffee are acidic and can stain teeth. Herbal teas or milk-based beverages are gentler alternatives.
Hard or chewy foods such as nuts or tough meats can crack teeth or damage fillings if eaten too quickly.
If pain or sensitivity appears, do not ignore it. Early dental care can prevent minor problems from becoming serious.
Oral hygiene during Ramadan
Maintain consistent oral care by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste — after suhoor and after iftar, waiting at least 30 minutes after meals. Floss daily and consider a fluoride mouthwash during non-fasting hours. Staying hydrated during eating windows is essential, particularly for those with braces or dental implants.
A healthy Ramadan, inside and out
Ramadan offers a valuable opportunity to reset habits — not just spiritually, but physically as well. By choosing foods wisely and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can enjoy the month without unnecessary dental discomfort.
Wishing you and your family a blessed, peaceful and healthy Ramadan.
Dr. Zareena Moorkan, BDS, MSc, is a dentist with more than 30 years of experience and practices at Al Lulu Medical Center in Sharjah.