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Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Oral Hygiene Practices and Perceived Dental Health Concerns among Fasting Adults during Ramadan: A Hospital-Based
S Mahmud1, M K Khan, M H Arefin
1Dr Shakur Mahmud, Assistant Professor, Department of Dentistry, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh;
Abstract:
Fasting during Ramadan can influence oral hygiene behaviors and oral health outcomes. This study aimed to assess dental hygiene practices, attitudes and perceived oral health issues among adult Muslims observing fasting in Bangladesh. A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Dental Unit of Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh, among 278 fasting Muslim adults (≥18 years) during Ramadan (1st March 2025 to 31st March 2025). The study aimed to assess dental hygiene practices and oral health concerns related to fasting. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested questionnaire. The mean age of participants was 32.6±14.2 years, with 54.7% aged 20-39 years. Females comprised 54.7% of the sample. Most participants brushed once daily (56.8%), primarily after Suhoor and Iftar (38.1%) and 67.6% used fluoride toothpaste. Advanced oral hygiene practices were less common: only 2.9% flossed daily, 10.4% cleaned their tongue daily and 37.4% used Miswak. Mouthwash use after Iftar/ Suhoor was high (85.6%) but low during fasting (3.6%). Halitosis was reported sometimes by 45.4% and regularly by 32.7%. Tooth sensitivity (45.0%) and dry mouth (23.7%) were the most common oral issues. Only 29.9% had a dental check-up in the past six months and many reported difficulty maintaining oral hygiene during fasting. Overall, 57.1% had poor oral hygiene practices, 14.3% average and 28.6% good. Oral hygiene practices among fasting adults were poor, with low adherence to advanced oral care measures and prevalent misconceptions. Educational interventions are recommended to improve oral health awareness and practices during Ramadan.
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