A team at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark has found that night-time snacking may be to blame for tooth decay and eventual loss of teeth.

BBC News reports that the researchers examined the dental records of 2,217 Danish citizens and found that 8 per cent (a total of 173) could be categorised as nocturnal eaters – defined as consuming one-quarter or more of their daily calorie intake after dinner; or those who might wake up at least twice during the week for ‘a little moonlight snack’.

When the moonlight snackers were followed for a period of six years, the team found that nocturnal eaters lost more teeth over the study period, even when other factors such as age, smoking and carbohydrate or sugar consumption were taken into account.

Lead researcher Dr Jennifer Lundgren and colleagues are warning that, although dentists may not be able to deter their patients from nocturnal eating, they need to make them aware of the associated risks of night-time snacks. The researchers say that the salivary glands are less active at night and there is less salivary fluid in the mouth the remove debris from teeth and gums.

‘Practitioners should be aware of the oral health implications of nocturnal eating, increase screening and oral health education efforts among nocturnal eaters – and make treatment referrals when appropriate,’ advised Dr Lundgren and her team.

A scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, Professor Damien Walmsley, said:

‘Eating at night – when the mouth is driest and any food remains in the mouth longer – accentuates the impact of consuming sugary and acidic food and drinks.

‘To minimise damage, it is important to brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – with one of those brushes coming immediately before bedtime.

‘Where possible, consume only water for at least an hour before the final brush of the day,’  Prof Walmsley advised.

The Danish study is published in the journal Eating Behaviours.

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