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Food processing and its association with dental caries: Data from NHANES 2011-2014
Augusto B Bidinotto1, Eurídice Martinez-Steele2, Joana Cunha-Cruz3
1Post-graduate program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|February 17, 2021
Summary
Higher intake of processed foods was linked to lower tooth decay, while ultra-processed foods correlated with increased dental caries in US adults. These associations were weak, possibly due to widespread ultra-processed food consumption.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Dental Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dietary patterns significantly influence oral health outcomes.
- Understanding the impact of food processing on dental caries is crucial for public health initiatives.
- The NOVA classification system categorizes foods based on their level of processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the proportional intake of different food processing categories (NOVA classification) and dental caries in US adults.
- To determine if processed and ultra-processed food consumption relates to the prevalence and severity of dental caries.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of US adults (20-59 years) using NHANES 2011-2014 data.
- Dietary intake categorized by NOVA: unprocessed/minimally processed (G1), processed culinary ingredients (G2), processed (G3), and ultra-processed (G4).
- Dental caries assessed using Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and untreated caries prevalence; adjusted for covariates.
Main Results:
- Higher intake of processed foods (G3) was associated with lower DMFT.
- Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (G4) was linked to higher DMFT.
- No significant associations were found between any NOVA group and untreated dental caries prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The proportional intake of food processing groups shows a weak association with dental caries in US adults.
- Widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods may attenuate or mask stronger associations with dental caries.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex relationship between diet processing and oral health.
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