New research has looked at the impact that ultra-processed foods have on the development of jaws in children. The researchers were looking to find out if a high intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to dental deformities. The results show the importance of children having a nutritious and vitamin-rich diet.
Looking after teeth and gums is very important for children. In doing so, they can get into positive habits which should boost their oral health for life.
However, many children have a diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which – according to new research – is having a very negative impact on the oral health of children, specifically the development of their jaws [1].
Moreover, the research has also linked a diet high in UPFs in children with dental deformities [1]. This is concerning and underlines the importance of children having a healthy diet.
Ultra-processed foods
Over the last few centuries, the human diet has changed significantly. Originally, the hunter-gatherer diet was commonplace. This diet was typically high in meat and plant-based foods.
However, in recent years, humans have typically shifted away from this diet. Scientists have cautioned against poor and non-nutritious diets.
This research involved UPFs. UPFs are foods that have been highly processed and contain ingredients that would typically not be involved in home cooking.
For example, UPFs include foods like ice cream, sausages, confectionery, crisps, some breakfast cereals, carbonated drinks and biscuits among others [2].
UPFs often contain preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners and artificial colors [2]. Because UPFs usually contain high levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar, they increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and heart attacks [2].
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from the Catholic University of Valencia in Spain. Their findings were published in the Children journal [1].
The research team focused on the diets of 25 children aged 3 to 5. They wished to explore the connection between the level of UPFs in the children’s diet and jaw development, dental structures, and skull shape [1].
A parent of the 25 children were asked to complete surveys on the habits and diet of their children [1]. This allowed the researchers to find out the percentage that UPFs made up of the calorific intake of the children.
The researchers then analysed the data. They compared UPF intake with the jaw development and dental structures of the children [1].
Interestingly, they found that diets high in UPFs have a negative impact on children’s jaw development [1]. This is because such diets limit the chewing activity which stimulates bone growth, strengthens muscles in the face, and contributes towards proper dental alignment [1].
Moreover, the team found that UPFs can lead to developmental issues in the jaws of children. Therefore, this could cause dental deformities like buck teeth.
Those with a high intake of UPFs were also more likely to lack natural gaps in the mouth. This can cause substantial problems when adult teeth grow, as there typically isn’t the space for them to grow fully [1].
They noted that an epidemic of jaw shrinkage has been happening for the last few hundred years, but that this has accelerated over the last two decades. Therefore, this is resulting in increased usage of braces, more crooked teeth, and other dental deformities [1].
The researchers did note that further research – preferably with a larger sample size – will be needed to solidify these findings [1].
Summary
Overall, the research provided clear findings. UPFs have a direct impact on jaw development in children, and can cause long-term problems.
The results were explained by co-author of the study – Dr. Laura Marques Martinez, who said that “chewing solid, fibrous foods like fruits, vegetables, or natural proteins is essential for healthy jaw development” [3].
Continuing, Martinez said “these foods help prevent malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth, and promote proper formation of dental arches”, whilst UPFs “fail to adequately engage the jaw muscles, leading to underdeveloped bone structures” [3].
Therefore, it is critical that parents provide their children with nutritious diets which provide fresh, healthy and non-processed foods.
This can help children to develop their jaw muscles properly, aiding their oral health, general wellbeing, and overall health in the long-term.
Thinking points…
1) Do you have children? It is important for adults to set a good example to children in terms of looking after their oral health. A good way of doing this is to bring your children with you to your dental appointments, as it will show them the importance of caring for their teeth. We suggest attending the dentist at least twice a year. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) These findings are concerning. If you know any parents with young children, this research is especially relevant to them. Therefore, you could share this article with them, as it will remind them of the importance of the diet of their children. Why not share this article on your social media accounts now?
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Gordillo, P. B., Martinez, L. M., Garcia, C. B., & Miralles, E. G. (2024). Relationship between Nutrition and Development of the Jaws in Children: A Pilot Study. Children. 11 (2): 201. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children11020201.
[2] British Heart Foundation. (2024). Ultra-processed foods: how bad are they for your health?. Available: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-the-headlines/ultra-processed-foods. Last accessed: 18th January 2025.
[3] Donnelly, L. (2025). Ultra-processed foods ‘could leave children with buck teeth’. Available: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/12/ultra-processed-foods-children-buck-teeth-valencia-study/. Last accessed: 18th January 2025.
