Late night snacking is an easy habit to develop. A bowl of popcorn while enjoying an evening movie or a glass of milk while watching a late night talk show may seem to help you relax or wind down. The problem with late night snacking is that it can not only increase your waistline but also damage your oral health.

A Danish study assessed the records of 2,200 adults, some of whom ate at least 25 percent of their daily calories at night or who woke to have snacks. These late night eaters were found to have lost more teeth than other participants over a period of six years. This tooth loss appeared to be independent of diabetes status, smoking habits, and even the type of food eaten.

Researchers believe the tooth loss is associated with decreased saliva production experienced at night. Food particles are simply more likely to stick to teeth, and there is insufficient saliva to wash them away.

While there has been no clear causative factor determined yet, it is clear that people who eat at night are risking their dental health. If you do practice night eating, you should practice excellent dental hygiene practices, including brushing after eating and flossing thoroughly.

It is important to discuss your dietary habits with our Los Angeles cosmetic dentist. Late night eating in particular can lead to an accelerated rate of tooth loss. Regular exams with our Los Angeles dentist can catch signs of early problems, and an appropriate treatment plan may help prevent future damage.

Source: Los Angeles Dentist

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