Could fasting help you avoid more dentist visits?

Do you remember the sound of the drill at the dentist? That sharp smell, the uncomfortable chair, the moment they say: “We need to fix something…”

I think many of us carry at least a little bit of dental trauma. And honestly, if there was a way to reduce those horror visits, most people would probably want to know about it.

This is where fasting becomes interesting in a completely different way. Its effects often show up in places we would never expect. Most people think about digestion, weight loss, inflammation, or mental clarity. But oral health? Probably not the first thing that comes to mind.

Fasting and oral health: an unexpected connection

A study from 2025 by Buchinger Wilhelmi suggests that fasting may actually have positive effects on our teeth and gums.*

Researchers found that prolonged fasting reduced gum inflammation and positively influenced the oral microbiome, meaning the balance of bacteria in the mouth shifted in a healthier direction. Some of the benefits were still visible three months later.

Which honestly makes sense when you think about it.

During fasting, the mouth also gets a break. No constant snacking, no sugar spikes, no continuous digestion happening all day long. The body can focus more on repair and regulation instead of constantly processing food.

Beyond the obvious effects

This is one of the things I personally love most about fasting. You might start fasting for digestion or energy and suddenly notice completely different effects: clearer skin, better sleep, emotional shifts, reduced inflammation… or maybe even healthier gums.

The body is deeply interconnected. Sometimes the most surprising benefits happen in places we were not even looking at.

And maybe, just maybe, fasting can help reduce some future dentist appointments too.

What about fasting breath?

The study also looked into the famous “fasting breath” or “keto breath.”

Interestingly, researchers found that it may not mainly come from ketones, as many people think, but rather from sulphur compounds produced by oral bacteria.

So if your mouth tastes strange during a fast: you are definitely not alone.

The good news is that this can usually be improved quite simply with consistent oral care during fasting. Things like tongue scraping, good hydration, and gentle cleaning routines can make a noticeable difference. (You’ll find a few tips below.)

Final thoughts

Maybe fasting will never fully replace the dentist. But if giving the body a break from food can also support healthier gums, reduce inflammation, and positively influence oral bacteria… that is pretty amazing.

Sometimes fasting works in ways we would never expect.

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My favourite oral care tools during a fast

One thing I learned over the years: oral care during fasting feels incredibly important and honestly also really comforting.

Especially in the mornings.

Here are a few simple things I personally love during a fast:

• Staying hydrated: A dry mouth can make fasting breath worse. Drinking enough water really helps.

• General oral hygiene: Brushing teeth regularly and being gentle with the gums can support the mouth without over-irritating it.

• Tongue scraping: This is probably my favourite morning ritual during fasting. It helps remove buildup on the tongue and leaves the mouth feeling much fresher immediately.

• Oil pulling: I love doing oil pulling with coconut oil or special oil pulling oil in the morning. It feels calming, grounding, and makes the mouth feel super clean afterwards.

• Avoiding harsh mouthwashVery strong antibacterial mouthwashes can disrupt the oral microbiome, which we actually want to support.

*If you want to dive deeper into the science, you can read the full study here: