Snackmageddon - Oral Health Foundation Warns Public of Risks
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- Published: Thursday, 29 May 2025 10:28
- Written by Peter Ingle
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New research from charity, the Oral Health Foundation (OHF), will make grim reading for those struggling to meet the demand for dental care.
The Foundation has confirmed that millions of people across the UK are still putting their oral health at risk with the potent combination of snacking on sugary foods after their evening meal, and then not brushing their teeth before bed.
Their research found that 33% of adults are snacking every night after their evening meal, of whom more than 68% are opting for high sugar items such as chocolate, sweets and biscuits.
To compound the risk, 47% of respondents go to sleep without brushing their teeth at least once a week, allowing the caries process to work on through the night.
The charity is warning the public that this dangerous combination could lead to a rise in tooth decay and gum disease.
Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said: “These figures are a real wake-up call – the UK is becoming a nation of late-night snackers, and it’s our teeth that are paying the price.
The charity calculated that up to 26 million British adults are consuming sugary treats after dinner at least three times a week.
Worryingly, young adults are the worst offenders with 86% of 18-to-24-year-olds admitting to snacking at night, most of whom (81%) were opting for sweet items.
That was just one alarming trend, as the foundation found that young people are also the most likely to skip brushing their teeth before bed. 43% admitted to missing the night time brush a few times a week, compared to the national average of 36%.
Dr Carter had a clear message to the public – avoid snacking after your evening meal whenever possible.
During National Smile Month, the OHF is urging everyone to take their oral health seriously.
The charity campaign will encourage simple steps, such as brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day and cutting down on sugary foods and drinks.
The Oral Health Foundation is the leading national charity working to improve oral health. In their own words: “Established more than 50 years ago, we continue to provide expert, independent and impartial advice on all aspects of oral health to those who need it most.”
Failing at prevention is setting up more victims for the breakdown in provision of NHS dentistry. At a time when access to dental care is limited, and near daily reports of desperate people resorting to DIY dentistry, these alarming figures from the OHF, particularly amongst the young, are a reminder of a double failure.
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