The Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Salivary Oxidative Stress in Relation to a Gingival Health Condition

Abstract Background: In the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Remarkably, this fasting process has been known to enhance oral and general health. Objectives: Male dental students undergoing Ramadan fasting were the research subjects of a study that aimed to determine the linkage between gingival health and salivary oxidative stress during the fasting. Materials and Methods: The subject population of this study comprised 30 male dental students aged 20–23 years old. The sample collection process entailed taking saliva from each student three times—1 week prior to Ramadan’s commencement (T0), during its last week (T1), and 1 month after its end (T2). Alongside these, various clinical and periodontal evaluations were carried out. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed using ELISA for malondialdehyde (MDA)—markers of oxidative stress and a spectrophotometer for determining total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results: During the course of the study, it was found that salivary MDA levels underwent a significant decrease from baseline to Ramadan (P < 0.05), while TAC in the saliva increased from baseline with a significant increase from baseline to after Ramadan fasting (P < 0.05). Significant reductions in gingival index values were observed during the baseline, Ramadan, and after Ramadan periods (P < 0.05). A strong positive correlation between gingival and plaque indices was observed throughout all three periods as well (P < 0.05). additionally, there was also a positive significant correlation observed between the salivary antioxidant capacity and gingival index during baseline and Ramadan (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ramadan fasting results in lower salivary MDA levels and increased total salivary antioxidant capacity, leading to improved gingival health status.