Fasting? Expert Advice for a Fresh, Healthy Smile

Fasting is observed across cultures for religious, health, and lifestyle reasons. While it offers spiritual and wellness benefits, it can also impact your oral health – both positively and negatively.

This blog examines the latest scientific insights into how fasting affects oral health. It also offers expert tips from our Oral Hygiene Advisor, Dirna Grobbelaar, to help you maintain a healthy smile and fresh breath when you fast.

How Fasting Affects Your Oral Health

Fasting can affect oral health in several ways. In the short term, fasting can reduce saliva flow, leading to bad breath, dry mouth and an increased risk of plaque buildup. However, in the long term, research suggests fasting may support gum health and reduce inflammation.

Fasting and Bad Breath

One of the most common concerns during fasting is bad breath (halitosis). Studies confirm that fasting increases volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in the breath, leading to an unpleasant odour. 

• Saliva washes away bacteria and food particles. When fasting, reduced saliva flow allows odour-causing bacteria to thrive.
• Ketosis occurs when fasting for long periods, releasing ketones, causing a distinctive breath odour.
• Fasting limits water intake, preventing the natural rinsing of dead cells, plaque, and debris, which can contribute to bad breath.

💡 According to South African dental professionals, fasting is one of the top 10 causes of bad breath. Read more in our Fresh Breath Insights 2025 report.

If you struggle with persistent bad breath, explore our complete guide to beating bad breath for expert advice.

Bad Breath and Mental Health 

Bad breath isn’t just a physical or grooming issue – it can affect self-confidence and mental well-being. If you are fasting, taking care of your oral health can also help you take care of your mental health. 

According to counselling psychologist Mohammed Uzair Bhamjee:

“Bad breath can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and confidence, mainly in social and professional settings. When people are aware of their bad breath, they often become self-conscious and may withdraw from conversations or interactions. This may lead to feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and even isolation, as they constantly worry about how others perceive them.”

💡 Read more in our blog on bad breath and self-confidence.

Saliva: Your Body’s Natural Mouthwash 

Saliva is your body’s natural ‘mouthwash’, neutralising acid, washing away bacteria, and preventing plaque buildup. It also contains antibacterial agents that help control bad breath and decay-causing bacteria.

• Fasting naturally reduces saliva flow, making the mouth drier.
• A drier mouth allows bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of bad breath, plaque buildup, and gum disease.
• Without sufficient saliva, food particles, plaque, and dead cells aren’t rinsed away as effectively, leading to bad breath and a higher risk of cavities.

💡 Chronic dry mouth is a medical condition also known as xerostomia. If your mouth is dry persistently, check out our expert guide to managing dry mouth.

Fasting and Gum Health?

Although reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of gum disease, some recent studies suggest that fasting may also have long-term benefits for gum health.

• A 2021 study published in Periodontology 2000 found that calorie restriction and intermittent fasting reduced inflammation in the gums, lowering the risk of periodontal disease.
• Fasting lowers sugar intake, which may reduce the risk of cavities and plaque formation.
• Research in the British Dental Journal (2024) suggests that hydration during fasting helps maintain healthy saliva flow, supporting enamel remineralisation and gum health.

💡 The takeaway? While fasting may improve gum health over time, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup and short-term gum issues.

Expert Advice: How to Take Care Of Your Oral Health While Fasting

Follow these expert tips from Dirna Grobbelaar, our Ivohealth Oral Hygiene Advisor, to keep your breath fresh, your teeth strong, and your gums healthy while fasting.

Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
– Brush your teeth twice daily—before suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and after iftar (breaking the fast).
– Use a tongue cleaner like the GUM Dual-Action Tongue Cleaner to remove bacteria buildup.
– Clean in-between daily with floss – like GUM Twisted Floss with Green Tea or interdentals – like GUM Soft-Picks Cool Mint for a refreshing clean.
– Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash, such as Dentyl Clove or Mint, after meals to help reduce bacteria and freshen breath without drying out the mouth.

Stay Hydrated During Non-Fasting Hours
– Drink 8-10 cups of water to support saliva production.
– Avoid coffee, alcohol or sugary drinks that dry out the mouth.

Be Mindful of Your Diet
– Avoid ‘smelly’ foods like onions and garlic when breaking the fast.
– Limit caffeine and sugary drinks, as they can cause dehydration and increase bacterial growth in the mouth.
– Consider a supplement like Doppelherz aktiv A-Z Depot, with its innovative slow-release technology, releases nutrients gradually throughout the day and supports overall health during fasting.

Avoid Smoking
– Smoking makes your breath smell unpleasant and increases the risk of gum disease.

Conclusion

Fasting has both benefits and challenges for oral health. While it can reduce gum inflammation, it also increases the risk of bad breath and dry mouth due to reduced saliva flow. By staying hydrated, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and using the right products, you can protect your teeth and gums for fresh breath and a healthy smile while fasting.

Need help choosing the right oral care products? Explore our range at Ivohealth.

Citations & References

1. Loumé A, et al. (2024). Impact of Long-term Fasting on Breath Volatile Sulphur Compounds. Oral Health Prev Dent.
2. Frontiers in Physiology (2022). Impact of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Salivary Flow Rate.
3. British Dental Journal (2024). The Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Oral Health.
4. Periodontology 2000 (2021). Impact of Calorie Restriction and Intermittent Fasting on Periodontal Health.

Fresh Breath Insights 2025 Report. Ivohealth