Introduction
Growing evidence indicates that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is harmful to health and contributes to an increased risk of several diet-related chronic diseases. Many ultra-processed foods are high in sugar, a known cause of dental caries, and may also contain processed starches that adhere to teeth and contribute to the development of dental caries.
Dental caries is the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide, affecting more than 2 billion people with untreated dental caries in their permanent teeth. Oral diseases reduce quality of life, are costly to treat, and may share risk factors with obesity, including ultra-processed food consumption.
Because children’s and adolescents’ diets shape future health, clarifying the role of ultra-processed foods in dental caries is important for prevention. However, evidence on the relationship between ultra-processed foods and dental caries in these age groups has not been summarized in a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Objective
This study examined the association of ultra-processed food consumption with dental caries.
Methods
The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and dental caries among children and adolescents aged 19 years or younger.
Results
In longitudinal studies, higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a 71% increased risk of dental caries. In case-control and cross-sectional studies, greater intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with 55% higher odds of dental caries during childhood and adolescence.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that higher consumption of ultra-processed food is associated with a greater likelihood of dental caries in children and adolescents. Reducing intake of ultra-processed foods may support better oral health, and public health strategies should emphasize this link. Health professionals who work with children and adolescents should also be informed about the potential oral health risks of diets high in ultra-processed foods.
