According to dental professionals, consuming too many ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may have significant effects on our facial structure, jaw development, breathing patterns, and overall dental health.
Ultra-processed foods are manufactured in factories using synthetic additives, preservatives, and industrial techniques that are not typically available to home cooks. These foods are often engineered to be irresistibly tasty, activating dopamine in the brain without requiring much effort. As a result, they are usually high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while lacking essential nutrients. The soft, easy-to-chew nature of these foods also makes them particularly convenient.
Dr. Smita Mehra, principal dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practices in London, highlighted that a diet rich in ultra-processed foods during childhood could alter the development of a child’s face and jaw. “Ultra-processed foods often require little chewing compared to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats, which are crucial for stimulating jaw growth and proper alignment during key stages of a child’s development,” Dr. Mehra told Newsweek.
The Impact on Jaw Development
One way ultra-processed foods affect facial structure is by limiting the need for chewing, which plays a critical role in jaw development. “Chewing helps strengthen jaw muscles and stimulate bone growth, leading to a well-developed jaw and healthy teeth,” explained Dr. Ben Miraglia, airway dentist and clinical officer at Toothpillow in New York. “Softer foods lead to weaker muscles, preventing proper jaw bone development.”
Dr. Royce Lai from King Village Dental in Ontario, Canada, also pointed out that chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which not only helps prevent cavities but also supports healthy jaw muscles and bone growth. “This process strengthens teeth and promotes overall dental health,” Dr. Lai added.
Risk of Harmful Bacteria and Nutrient Deficiencies
In addition to affecting jaw development, ultra-processed foods also contribute to oral health issues by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. “These foods are often loaded with sugars and refined carbs, which feed bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease,” explained Dr. Kemia Zeinali, a dentist in Los Angeles.
Furthermore, an ultra-processed diet is typically deficient in key nutrients like vitamin D, A, C, calcium, and phosphorus—nutrients that are essential for healthy teeth, tissues, and immune function, according to dietitian Shelley Balls from Consumer Health Digest.
Dental Health Risks
The consequences of underdeveloped jaws and poor dietary habits are not limited to facial structure. An insufficiently developed jaw can reduce airway size, encourage mouth breathing, and disrupt sleep patterns. A weak jaw may also lead to a preference for soft foods and limit a child’s diet, affecting speech development as well. In some cases, children may require orthodontic treatments such as braces or face dental decay and gum disease.
How Parents Can Help
To mitigate these risks, dental experts recommend incorporating high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, into children’s diets. These foods not only provide essential nutrients but also help clean teeth as they are eaten. “Fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and broccoli help scrub teeth, reducing plaque and tartar build-up,” said Dr. Lai.
Dietitian Shelley Balls echoed this, suggesting that chewing fibrous vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains can promote proper jaw development. “These foods help children strengthen their jaw and facial muscles,” she said.
Dr. Mehra emphasized the importance of encouraging children to chew their food thoroughly, particularly foods that are firm and crunchy, like apples and raw vegetables. By doing so, parents can help ensure their children maintain healthy teeth and a well-developed jaw.
By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and promoting good chewing habits, parents can play a crucial role in supporting their children’s oral health and overall development.
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