A healthy diet is essential for your dental health. But it's not just the amount of sugar you consume that matters – the timing of your intake also has a significant impact on your risk of tooth decay. A scientific study shows that sugar in the evening is particularly harmful. But why is that?
Why sugar in the evening is more dangerous for your teeth
An English study found that adolescents' risk of tooth decay doubled if they consumed sugar in the last hour before bedtime. One possible explanation for this is reduced saliva flow at night .
Saliva has a protective function: It helps neutralize acids and remineralize tooth enamel. However, saliva production decreases drastically during sleep. This means that sugar and the resulting acids can remain undisturbed on the teeth for many hours—a perfect environment for the development of cavities.
The right time for sugar
From a cariological perspective, it is recommended to consume sugar – if at all – preferably in the first half of the day until the afternoon and avoid it in the evening. Regular saliva production during the day ensures that acids can be buffered more quickly and the teeth can be remineralized.
So if you occasionally have a craving for something sweet, it makes more sense to enjoy it earlier in the day and not just before going to bed.
If you don't always have the opportunity to eat a balanced diet, dietary supplements can be a useful support for your dental health. Nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and coenzyme Q10 help strengthen tooth enamel and keep gums healthy.
Sources:
Goodwin M, Patel DK, Vyas A, Khan AJ, McGrady MG, Boothman N, et al. Sugar before bed: a simple dietary risk factor for caries experience. Community Dent Health. 2017;34(1):8–13.
