The effect of Ramadan fasting on plaque count of Streptococcus Mutans in patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliance. A clinical study

Abstract

Aim: This clinical study is to investigate the effect of fasting (Sawm) Ramadan on the
count of streptococcus mutans in plaque surrounding fixed orthodontic appliances.
Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with orthodontic appliances were
participated in this study. Plaque specimens were collected from those patients at
two occasions, during Rmadan fasting (Sawm) and after they break there fasting
after Ramadan. The plaque Streptococcus mutans number of colony-forming
units (CFU) was analyzed by using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test.
Results: This study demonstrated highly significant difference in Streptococcus
mutans (CFU) counts in plaque between the values obtained from fasting patients
during Ramadan and when they are breaking the fast after Ramadan.
Conclusions: during Ramadan fasting, persons change timing and types of their food
and beverages consuming as well as teeth cleaning habits. Therefore orthodontist
should be aware of their patients’ oral hygiene during Ramadan by promoting and
maintaining satisfactory teeth cleaning during fasting (Sawm) and Iftar hours.