A third of adults are snacking more during lockdown, survey reveals

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A new survey has suggested that a third of adults are snacking more than normal during lockdown.

Research carried out by the Oral Health Foundation found that families and young adults were most likely to graze. Around 70% of families with children have increased the amount they eat, while 61% of under 35’s are snacking more than usual. Many people are spending more time at home than they would be normally, and some are not working. Often, people eat more when they’re less busy. 

Snacking is often linked to weight gain, but it can also pose significant risks to oral health. This is because when you eat or drink, the bacteria in the mouth feed, causing them to release acids. It takes time for the enamel to remineralise, and if you’re eating all the time, this process can’t occur. The enamel is also not able to withstand frequent acid attacks. Worn enamel increases the risk of sensitivity and decay.

Rather than snacking throughout the day, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, recommends eating three main meals. This is better for dental health, and it can also improve nutrition. The president of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Ben Atkins, also advises adults to chew sugar-free gum after eating. This stimulates saliva production, helping to cleanse the mouth, neutralise acids and clear food debris. 

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