What do ultra-processed foods have to do with children's dental development?

In the era of food convenience, where ready-to-eat meals and packaged snacks are increasingly present on our tables, a worrying figure emerges for the children's dental health.

A Recent research conducted by the Catholic University of Valencia. highlighted how the ultra-processed foods may jeopardize significantly the development of the jaw and teeth In the little ones.

What are ultra-processed foods?

The ultra-processed foods (UPF) are those products that undergo numerous industrial processing And they typically contain:

• high amounts of added sugars
• high levels of fats and salt
• preservatives and dyes
• aromas artificial

Common examples include. Packaged snacks, salty snacks, carbonated drinks, sugary cereals, and many "ready-to-eat" foods. Surprisingly, even some foods mistakenly considered healthy, such as certain fruit yogurts or breakfast cereals, fall into this category.

The impact of ultra-processed foods on dental health

La chewing is not just a mechanical act, but a real "exercise" essential for proper craniofacial development. When the children consume mostly soft, ultra-processed foods, a number of consequences occur:

• inadequate development jaw
• greater risk of malocclusion (misalignment of teeth)
• potential respiratory problems
• Increased likelihood of needing orthodontic interventions in time

The statistics are alarming: in Italy, about a quarter of the diet of children and adolescents consists of ultra-processed foods. This finding is reflected in the significant increase in orthodontic problems observed in dental offices in recent years.

Practical advice

To foster a proper dental development, here are some suggestions:

1. Give preference to natural foods by regularly introducing into children's diets raw fruits and vegetables, Natural protein, foods that require a active chewing
2. Read the labels, because if a product contains more than 5 ingredients and high amounts of sugar, fat or salt, it is probably an ultra-processed food.
3. Establish good habits encouraging a Prolonged and mindful chewing during meals. This simple act stimulates the facial musculoskeletal system, promoting harmonious jaw development.
   

[Medical Director: Dr. Mauro Savio, Member of the Dentists Register Provincial Order of Surgeons and Dentists of Milan n. 4168].