Teenagers who stay up late ‘at greater risk of tooth decay’

Teenagers who have a habit of staying up late at night may be putting themselves at greater risk of tooth decay, according to new research.

Published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, the Swedish study showed that adolescents with nocturnal activity patterns are almost four times as likely to suffer from tooth decay than those who habitually sleep early.

These "night owls" brushed their teeth less frequently, skipped breakfast more often and generally had a higher risk of caries, underlining the fact that a person's circadian rhythm should be taken into account when planning oral health education.

Meanwhile, parents have been encouraged to do more to ensure their children understand the importance of brushing their teeth before bed and educate them on the broader impact tooth decay can have on their overall health.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive officer of the Oral Health Foundation, said: "Problems in the mouth can affect the way our children communicate, their relationships, development and also their wider general health, so it is vital that they prioritise their oral health."

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