Increased Risk of Tooth Loss for Late Night Snackers

Are you a late night snacker? If so, you might want to reconsider your habit. Not only is late night snacking potentially hazardous to your waistline, it may also be linked to tooth loss. A recent study jointly conducted by the University of Missouri-KC and Copenhagen University in Denmark revealed that late night eaters tended to lose more teeth than people who did not eat late at night.

This tooth loss occurred even after other variables were taken into account, including the types of food eaten and health status of the subjects. Researchers theorized that the tooth loss may be linked to the reduced saliva flow that tends to occur late at night. During the daytime, saliva helps rinse away excess food particles, but at night, these particles remain on the teeth and help feed the bacteria that contribute to gum disease and plaque.

Researchers involved in this study proposed that this tooth loss could be combated by avoiding late night snacking and only drinking water during the last hour of the evening and brushing teeth well before bedtime.

If you are a late night snacker, you should be aware that your oral health may be at risk. Tooth loss can be associated with other serious health risks including bone loss. It is best to kick the late night eating habit both for the sake of your waistline and your oral health. If you continue to eat late at night, it is important that you brush and floss after your last meal or snack of the day, and talk to your dentist about your eating habits and how you can reduce your risk of tooth loss.

Source: Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist
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