Midnight snackers watch out new reseach says those who snack by moonlight are seriously damaging their teeth.

New research suggests that people who eat at night-time are at a higher risk of tooth loss than those who do not.

The survey, which examined the oral health records of 2,217 Danes, was conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen. 173 (eight percent) of those who participated were classed as nocturnal eaters. This meant they consumed a quarter or more of their daily calories after their evening meal, or would wake up for a starlit snack at least two nights a week.

After studying the participants for a period of six years, the researchers discovered the night-time nibblers lost more teeth than those who did not munch at midnight.

Other factors were taken into consideration to control the research. Causes such as diabetes diagnosis, smoking status, binge eating habits, age, education, carbohydrate intake and body mass were all considered. Despite these variants, the research still showed that nocturnal eating is significantly harmful to the teeth.