The coronavirus pandemic has changed many aspects of life, but it could also be having a significant impact on the health of the mouth, according to a leading charity.

New research by the Oral Health Foundation shows staying at home has led to more than one-in-three (38%) British adults increasing the amount of times they are snacking throughout the day.

Since lockdown, snacking has risen considerably in younger adults. Nearly two-in-three (61%) under 35s admit they are now eating more often in between meals.

Snacking has also risen amongst families with younger children. Seven-in-ten families (70%) with children under five are reporting more snacking in the household. This is more than double compared with those who are not living with children.

The Oral Health Foundation is worried about the damage snacking in between meals can have on the nation’s oral health. The charity’s Chief Executive, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, says: “As a nation we have slowly moved away from three square meals and have adopted more snacking habits. This has been worsened during lockdown, as sudden changes to work and family life might have led more people to snack more.