Fasting is practised worldwide for religious, spiritual, and health reasons and has grown in popularity in recent years with the rise of intermittent fasting. In South Africa during Ramadan, an estimated one million Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. And while fasting has well-documented physical and spiritual benefits, it can also have an unwelcome side effect – bad breath.
A recent survey of 173 South African dental professionals identified fasting as a leading cause of halitosis (bad breath). “Whatever the reason you fast, it puts you at a higher risk of halitosis,” explains Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee, prosthodontist at Matrix Dental Specialists in Cape Town.
But is bad breath inevitable when you fast? Dental experts say no. The right oral care routine and minor lifestyle adjustments can help you maintain fresh breath throughout.
Why Fasting Causes Bad Breath
During fasting, saliva production naturally decreases, creating a dry mouth – a perfect environment for odour-causing bacteria to thrive. “Saliva is one of the mouth’s best natural defences,” explains Dr Haffajee. “It neutralises acids, washes away bacteria and food particles. When saliva lessens, bacteria multiply, increasing volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in the mouth – the main culprit behind bad breath.”
Fasting can also lead to dehydration, exacerbating dry mouth, increasing plaque buildup and intensifying bad breath. “Not drinking water can cause dehydration, which reduces saliva production and worsens dry mouth, increasing the risk of bad breath,” says Dr Haffajee. A letter published in the British Dental Journal (2024) highlights that staying well-hydrated when fasting supports saliva flow.
Extended fasting may sometimes trigger ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy, producing a distinctive fruity or metallic breath odour.
Concerned about bad breath? Take the Ivohealth Bad Breath Check to find out.
Bad Breath Affects More Than Just Your Mouth
For many, bad breath is more than just an oral health issue – it impacts confidence, social interactions and mental well-being.
“Bad breath can significantly affect a person’s self-esteem, particularly in social and professional settings,” says counselling psychologist Mohammed Uzair Bhamjee from Soulful Psychology in Johannesburg. “People aware of their bad breath often become self-conscious, making them withdraw from conversations or avoid interactions altogether. This can result in anxiety, self-doubt, and even isolation.”
Read more: How Bad Breath Affects Your Confidence.
How to Maintain Fresh Breath While Fasting
According to Dr Haffajee, good hydration, diet and oral care can minimise the risk of bad breath while fasting. He shared some top tips:
Stay hydrated
- Drink plenty of water outside fasting hours to maintain saliva production and prevent dry mouth.
- Breaking the fast with fresh, hydrating foods
- Reducing consumption of caffeine and carbonated drinks, which can dehydrate the body and contribute to bad breath.
Be mindful of what you eat
“Diet plays a major role in oral health and breath freshness,” says Dr Haffajee. “Breaking a fast with strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions can worsen breath, while high-sugar or high-carb foods encourage bacteria growth, leading to plaque buildup and bad breath.”
- Limit strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, and highly spiced dishes.
- Avoid excessive sugar and processed carbs, which fuel odour-causing bacteria.
- Chew sugar-free gum (after fasting hours) to help stimulate saliva flow and freshen breath.
Start with a clean slate
To prepare for future fasts, see your dentist or oral hygienist for a professional clean beforehand. “A professional oral hygiene clean before fasting removes plaque and tartar buildup, giving you a great start.”
The Ideal Oral Care Routine While Fasting
During a fast, meticulous oral hygiene must be maintained to prevent bad breath. Dirna Grobbelaar, Ivohealth’s Oral Hygiene Advisor, outlined the ideal daily oral hygiene routine when fasting:
- Brush twice daily – brush before and after breaking fast, for at least two minutes.
- Use a tongue cleaner – the tongue harbours bacteria that cause bad breath, clean it daily using a specially designed tool – like a GUM Tongue Cleaner – or a teaspoon.
- Floss or use interdental brushes – daily interproximal cleaning is critical to remove plaque and food particles between the teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash – choose a mouthwash with essential oils, like Dentyl Dual Action, which freshens breath without drying out the mouth.
- Replace your toothbrush – a worn-out toothbrush is less effective.
“Most cases of bad breath can be solved at home. Brushing correctly, cleaning your tongue and flossing daily often makes an immediate difference,” encourages Grobbelaar.
For more in-depth advice from Dirna on managing and beating bad breath, check out Ivohealth’s Expert Guide to Beating Bad Breath.
Take Action
If you’re still concerned about bad breath during the fast or any other time, speak to your dental professional. Or check out Ivohealth’s free, online oral health resources:
- Fasting? Expert Advice for a Fresh Healthy Smile blog post
- Ivohealth’s Expert Guide to Beating Bad Breath
- Online Bad Breath Check
You can enjoy fresh breath and good oral health throughout the fast and beyond with the right habits.
