Keeping the Fast Valid: Everyday Care in Ramadan

Ramadan is a month that gently reshapes daily routines. Mealtimes change, sleep patterns shift, and even simple habits like brushing teeth or applying lip balm can raise thoughtful questions. For families and young people, understanding how everyday activities fit within the boundaries of fasting helps create confidence and calm, allowing the focus to remain on the deeper purpose of the month. 

Everyday Habits That Do Not Affect the Fast 

Many daily actions continue as normal during Ramadan, and not all of them have any impact on the validity of the fast. Wearing makeup, using lip balm, or applying creams and ointments does not break the fast, as nothing is passing through the mouth or nose into the stomach. These are external acts of personal care, and they do not interfere with the fast itself. 

Similarly, taking injections does not invalidate the fast. Since the medication does not reach the stomach through a natural passage, the fast remains intact. This can be reassuring for those who rely on regular medical treatment and are concerned about maintaining their worship alongside their health needs. 

Brushing Teeth, Oral Care and the Etiquette of Fasting 

Many scholars consider brushing the teeth with toothpaste during fasting hours to be disliked, not because it automatically breaks the fast, but because of the strong taste and the risk that some residue may pass down the throat. The fast is only broken if something is swallowed intentionally, but avoiding toothpaste during the day is often seen as a more cautious and respectful approach to the etiquette of fasting. 

Cleanliness and personal care are important aspects of a Muslim’s character, and this remains true during Ramadan. At the same time, fasting encourages a heightened level of mindfulness. 

For this reason, many people choose to brush thoroughly before Fajr and again after Iftar. This routine helps maintain good oral hygiene while removing any worry about accidentally invalidating the fast during the day. 

There is also a beautiful reminder from the Holy Prophet ﷺ, who taught that the smell from the mouth of a fasting person is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk. This gentle teaching helps reframe how we think about the natural effects of fasting, showing that even what feels uncomfortable to us can carry spiritual value. 

The Sunnah of the Miswaak 

During fasting hours, the use of the miswaak is a well-known and recommended practice. This natural tooth-cleaning twig allows a person to refresh their mouth and maintain oral hygiene without the use of toothpaste or rinsing. It offers a simple and spiritually rooted way to stay fresh while fully protecting the fast. 

Staying comfortable can also be supported by drinking plenty of water at Sehri and Iftar and avoiding very strong-smelling foods before the fast begins. These small choices can make the long hours of fasting feel more manageable and pleasant. 

Dental Care and Extra Mindfulness 

Dental procedures require a bit more planning. The procedure itself does not break the fast, but if water or any substance passes down the throat into the stomach, the fast is broken and must be made up. For this reason, many people prefer to schedule dental appointments outside of Ramadan when possible. 

For those who are concerned about freshness during the day, this can be a meaningful time to adopt the Sunnah of regularly using a miswaak while fasting. 

Awareness in the Smallest Actions 

Burning incense or being around fragrance is also permissible. However, deliberately inhaling smoke is not. This gentle distinction highlights one of the deeper lessons of fasting: awareness. Ramadan teaches attentiveness not only to what we eat and drink, but to how we move through the world. 

By understanding these everyday details, families can move through the month with confidence and peace of mind, focusing less on uncertainty and more on the opportunity Ramadan offers to grow in mindfulness, gratitude, and care for both body and soul. 

Shaykh Asim Awan

Author

LLB, BA Islamic Scholar, Solicitor & Senior Partner

Graduate of Hijaz College, Maulana Asim completed his LLB at the University of London while he was studying at Hijaz College, attaining an MA Islamic Law and Theology in 2009. He is a qualified solicitor working in Birmingham. He is a Hafiz of the Quran and has been teaching Islamic theology since his graduation. He is also the curriculum convener for the Hijaz Diploma course and a key member of the Muslim Arbitration Tribunal. He is happily married and a father of three beautiful children.