I'm a dentist — one type of food can change your face and not in a good way

Dentist, woman and patient with tools for teeth whitening, oral hygiene and consultation with mask
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A dentist has issued a shocking warning about how a particular kind of food might be changing the way our faces develop, particularly children.

Thanks to their convenience and kid-friendly appeal, ultra-processed foods have become a staple in the diets of adults and children — here's how one writer's body changed when he gave them up completely. From high sugar content to a lack of nutrients that support strong teeth and gums, UPFs can contribute to cavities, gum disease and even developmental issues in the face.

Doctors, dentists, nutritionists and other experts have been growing increasingly concerned about the impact of UPFs on our health and our bodies. A pilot study published last year by a team in Spain found children whose diet mainly consisted of liquids or semi-solid foods had smaller gaps between their lower teeth than those who mainly had a solid diet.

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Prof Tim Spector, who is best known for his work on gut health, told the Telegraph: “The strongest current theory about why the jaws have been shrinking so rapidly is that we’re feeding our kids baby food really for the whole of their lives – so that they just don’t develop the jaw muscles or the size of the jaw, and you aren’t really adapted for chewing. This is just another sign of how western countries like the UK and the US have succumbed to this wave of soft, ultra-processed foods that is now the main diet of children, so many of whom are never really having hard proper foods.”

However, it's worth noting that the study was small and was not necessarily looking at whether the foods were ultra-processed. And Dr Hayley Llandro, director of external relations for the British Orthodontic Society, told the Guardian that changes to jaw development through diet could be possible, but could also be a result of evolution, saying: “There are not only environmental factors in skeletal and tooth development – genetics plays a significant role as well. Unfortunately, simply eating more food that needs chewing will not override our pre-existing genetic tendencies.”

But Dr Smita Mehra, principal dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practices, provided a warning about the potential impact of ultra-processed foods on a face's development.

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“The potential link between UPFs and jaw development stems from how these foods affect chewing and muscle activity”, she said. “Ultra-processed foods are often soft and require minimal chewing compared to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and whole grains. Chewing is a vital part of stimulating jaw growth and alignment, particularly during critical periods of a child’s development.

“A diet high in ultra-processed foods during childhood can potentially lead to changes in a child’s facial and jaw development. These changes are due to the reduced need for active chewing and the lack of nutrition that comes with a diet made up of UPFs.”

She said further problems could include:

  • An underdeveloped jaw which may reduce airway size, encouraging mouth breathing, which can disrupt sleep.

  • Under-used and weaker muscles used for chewing, resulting in avoidance of tougher foods like nuts or steak, thereby further inhibiting a diet including raw foods.

  • Poor jaw development affecting tongue placement and the ability to articulate certain sounds, potentially leading to speech impediments.

  • Ultra-processed foods often lack important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are necessary for bone development, including the jaw.

She said that if a child’s poor diet isn’t changed, it can lead to lifelong complications, including:

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  • Need for orthodontic interventions, such as braces or palate expanders.

  • Increased risk of dental decay and gum disease due to overcrowded teeth.

  • Persistent breathing or sleep issues.

How to avoid seeing these changes in your child

Dr Mehra said: “Ensure children consume a balanced diet of essential nutrients for overall growth and development. Introduce foods that require active chewing, stimulating jaw muscles and supporting bone growth. Here are some foods you can start to introduce into their diet to steer away from exclusively feeding them ultra-processed foods:

  • Fruits: Apples, pears, and other firm fruits.

  • Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and other crunchy raw veggies.

  • Proteins: Lean meats, poultry, or plant-based options like tofu.

  • Whole Grains: Whole-grain bread, rice, and nuts.

“Teach your children to chew food thoroughly instead of gulping or swallowing large pieces. As your kids grow up, keep instilling these good habits and teach them the importance of a balanced diet. This can empower them to make better choices as they become more independent. And start these habits early.”