Having snacks in the middle of the night can raise tooth loss risk, irrespective of the variety of food that is consumed, experts have warned.

A research group at Copenhagen University, which worked with fellow workers from the US, stated that the changes in flow of saliva ups the risk of tooth loss, as it tends to dry up during night.

They assessed the medical records of 2,217 Danes already enrolled in a medical research.

The researchers said, "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."

Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, stated, "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 added. (With Inputs from Agencies)