Ultra-Processed Foods Change Your Face. Dentists Reveal How

Eating too much ultra-processed food could affect our face shape, jaw development, breathing habits, dental health and oral hygiene, according to dentists. Ultra-processed food (UPF) is a category that refers to food made in factories with synthetic additives and industrial methods which would be inaccessible to home cooks—such as extrusion or preservatives. It is food that is designed to be moreish, triggering dopamine pathways in the brain without too much effort, and as such it tends to be low in essential nutrients, high in salt, fat and sugar, and texturally easy to eat. "A diet high in ultra-processed foods during childhood can potentially lead to changes in a child's facial and jaw development," Dr. Smita Mehra, principal dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practices in London, England, told Newsweek.

Ultra-Processed Food Is Easier To Chew

One way that a diet full of ultra-processed food can alter face shape is by disrupting the development of the jaw, through lack of chewing, Mehra said. "Ultra-processed foods are often soft and require minimal chewing compared to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and whole grains," said Mehra. "Chewing is a vital part of stimulating jaw growth and alignment, particularly during critical periods of a child's development."

Dr. Ben Miraglia, airway dentist and chief clinical officer at Toothpillow, based in New York, told Newsweek: "With the soft food comes weaker muscles, and weaker muscles fail to develop the jaw bones properly. "Underdeveloped jaws, crowded teeth and smaller airways are primarily the result of softer foods." Dr. Royce Lai, of King Village Dental, Ontario, Canada, told Newsweek: "Chewing stimulates saliva, which prevents cavities. It also strengthens jaw muscles and advances bone growth under the gums. That leads to strong, healthy teeth."

Ultra-Processed Food May Feed Harmful Bacteria

But it's not just chewing that's the issue. Dr. Kemia Zeinali, practicing dentist and the founder of Dreamhouse Dental, Los Angeles, told Newsweek: "Ultra-processed foods are typically high in sugars and refined carbs, which feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease." Wyoming dietitian nutritionist Shelley Balls, of Consumer Health Digest, told Newsweek: "An ultra-processed diet can lack vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin C, phosphorus, and calcium which are all important nutrients for the growth and development of healthy teeth, tissues, and fighting off infections."

What Are the Risks for Dental Health?

Mehra said an underdeveloped jaw could reduce airway size, encourage mouth breathing and disrupt sleep. A weak jaw, she said, may encourage a future preference for softer foods and restrictive diet, or even lead to poor speech development. Mehra added that some children may need orthodontic interventions such as braces or develop dental decay or gum disease.

What Can Parents Do?

The experts advised that including high-fiber food, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, was important for children's oral health. "Children and adults need roughage and fibrous fruits and vegetables; they contain plenty of vitamins and fiber, but also to scrub their teeth," said Lai. "Carrots, broccoli and apples are terrific for reducing plaque and tartar because they gently rub against the teeth to remove them." Balls said: "Chewing vegetables, cuts of meat and whole grains like oats can help children properly develop their jaw and facial muscles." Mehra said that parents should add firm fruits and crunchy vegetables to the diet and encourage their children to chew thoroughly when eating. Do you have a tip on a food story that Newsweek should be covering? Is there a nutrition concern that's worrying you? Let us know via science@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured in Newsweek.