The reported prophetic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are meant to help the believer navigate through life. The commentary is layered with significant meanings that are as relevant today as they were a millennium and a half in the past. Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As was a companion of the prophet (pbuh) and complied some of the earliest hadith He reported:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "O `Abdullah! Have I not been formed that you fast all the day and stand in prayer all night?" I said, "Yes, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)!" He said, "Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and also leave them (the fast) at other times; stand up for the prayer at night and also sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you."
Sahih Muslim
Although many people repeat this report to emphasize having balance in our ibadah or even appreciating time together as a married couple, the first right mentioned is ‘your body’. The wording that “your body has a right over you” is something to reflect upon. A right is compensation or even a claim. You in Islam refers to the human being’s relationship between himself and Allah, his or her own soul and the community. The body having a right means that whatever your own mind may tell you, the body is a gift upon you and must be compensated with the deliberate care given by you, the individual. The body is your bones, flesh, organs and yes this includes teeth as well. Good oral health is a right the body has over us and maintaining it for all family members can prevent disturbing physical diseases and being overwhelmed psychologically.
Children and adolescents
The three most common oral health problems for children include cavities, gun disease and thrush.
Cavities are decaying teeth. This tooth decay is caused when sticky plaques accumulate on the surface of a child’s teeth. Plaque has acid which eats away at the enamel wearing away the tooth. Most young children need adult supervision with brushing and flossing to remove any food and sugar residue. One psychological impact of a cavity is the development of a fear of going to the Dentist which stymies consistent oral upkeep. Adolescents and older children may experience anxiety with how they look with unhealthy teeth which leads to self-isolation.
Gum disease in children like gingivitis is an inflammation of gums due to poor oral hygiene. This can lead to more serious periodontal disease like loose or bleeding gums, bad breath or loose teeth. Psychologically children may feel embarrassed in public with these conditions which stunt social development and growth in children and adolescents.
Another oral disease that is common with children is thrush. Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, which normally lives in the mouth and other parts of the body. Children with thrush will present with white patches or spots, experience a cottony feeling, and often have associated pain or soreness. Thrush may be embarrassing or stigmatizing for children and adolescents.
Young adults
Poor hygiene in young adults can have lifelong impacts. The most significant problems are high risk pregnancy and type II diabetes. Studies show that women with periodontal disease are six times more likely to give birth prematurely. The bacteria present in the oral cavity, has been found in the amniotic fluid, placenta, and membranes of preterm birth patients. The psychological impact of delivering a preterm baby due to poor oral health are feelings of guilt and depression.
Although bad teeth does not cause diabetes, scientists have found a link between poor oral health and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Gum disease from poor oral maintenance can cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation has been shown to increase insulin resistance, which is a factor in the development of type 2 diabetes at any age. Many patients with diabetes feel psychologically overwhelmed with the regimen required to manage the condition and often benefit from counseling.
Adults of any age.
Adults of any age can lose their teeth due to poor oral habits. The impact of neglected oral health as people age can be overwhelming with several serious implications from respiratory issues and arthritis to heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The link between poor dental hygiene and respiratory issues revolves around the bacteria in the mouth when the teeth are not kept up. These bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs or even get in the bloodstream causing respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia or even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Anxiety, fear, panic, feelings of helplessness, depression and fatigue are often associated with respiratory problems.
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland has examined and uncovered a link between the bacteria in aggressive forms of periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Bacterial inflammation can worsen those who already have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or increase systemic inflammation and immune response in the body which are contributing factors leading up to RA. Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition that psychologically impacts people’s coping mechanisms, pain perceptions and may even influence cognitive issues like memory or being able to think clearly.
Heart disease can also result from poor oral hygiene with the bacteria entering the bloodstream. Bacteria in the blood stream causes arteries to harden, leading to stroke or heart attack. In addition, this raises the level of bad cholesterol. Heart problems lead to intense emotional distress.
Alzheimer’s disease is a decrease in proper brain functioning and memory. Bacteria called spirochetes have been found at a significantly higher incidence in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This disease not only causes depression and angst in the patient it can have devasting psychological impact on family members of the Alzheimer’s patient.
Author bio: Mahasin D. Shamsid-Deen is the news curator and content manager for Muslim Network TV (MNTV) and contributing writer for Sound Vision. She holds a Master’s degree in English Writing and has worked as both a High School and College ESL Instructor and Writing Instructor for more than a decade. Mahasin has numerous published articles, books, essays and is a published playwright with three award winning stage plays. She is currently writing her dissertation for her doctoral degree.
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