The blessed and holy month of Ramazan is bidding us farewell while the Muslims around the world are entering the festivities of “Eid-ul-Fitr”, also called “Meethi (sweet) Eid”, which is celebrated every year on the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar.
Eid-ul-Fitr, Arabic word for “festival of breaking fast”, is synonymous with feasts, exchanging gifts and giving charity, but food is the hallmark of this festival.
At this occasion, we need to be cautious about our health, especially oral health, while celebrating Eid festivities in full spirit.
As most people have been fasting during Ramazan, the daily routine and eating patterns change as the holy month concludes.
On the first day of Eid, we should wake up early, brush or Miswak teeth, take a shower and go for prayers wearing our best clothes. On the way to prayer ground or mosque, we recite Takbeeraat, and give Fitra to the deserving people. After Eid prayers, we visit family and friends or welcome guests, and exchange gifts. Elders give Eidi (Eid money) to the younger ones and in the evening elaborate feasts are held with delicious food and desserts.
While enjoying the Eid celebrations, we should not forget tooth care and maintain a balanced diet to protect your dental health.
For most of us, scheduling a routine dental check-up is probably a difficult task given our busy routines.
As dentists play a major role in maintaining overall health, we must visit dental clinics or hospitals twice a year for general checkup to ensure good oral health, according to the American Dental Association.
Therefore, while starting days filled with Joy of Having Sweets and Delicious foods, please make Dentists advise rinsing the oral cavity with water after every meal and brushing teeth with a good fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
We should keep visiting the dentist to be aware of our oral health status or be forewarned of any developing oral disease. Have a good time.
By Dr Batool Zehra
Consultant Dental Surgeon, E-mail: drbeezee@gmail.com
