Processed foods are those modified from their natural state through refining, adding preservatives, flavor enhancers, or coloring agents. Food processing has improved shelf life, convenience and global food security but it has also altered the nutritional composition of what we consume. These additives are high in refined sugar and have low nutrient value. The excessive use of refined sugars, artificial additives, and low-fiber processed foods has become a major public health concern. Among the many health consequences of these dietary changes, Tooth decay (Caries), gum (Periodontal) diseases and Oral Cancers stand out as the prevalent oral health problems worldwide.
Food Processing
Food processing involves a series of physical, chemical, and biological techniques that transform raw agricultural products into market-ready foods. These methods include refining, pasteurization, canning, extrusion, dehydration, and chemical preservation. Though these processes enhance food safety and taste, they also strip foods of essential nutrients and fiber while increasing sugar, salt, and fat content.
Highly processed foods, like sugary beverages, breakfast cereals, fast food, packaged snacks and baked items, have become dietary essentials in urban societies. Their convenience, affordability and palatability have contributed to a dietary shift from natural, unprocessed foods to refined, calorie-dense options, which are detrimental to oral health.
The mouth serves as the first point of contact for food intake, making it directly exposed to the biochemical effects of diet. Foods and beverages can influence oral health locally, by interacting with the tooth surface and oral biofilm, and systemically, through their impact on the immune system and tissue metabolism.
Dental caries results from a dynamic process of demineralization and remineralization of enamel, influenced by acids produced when oral bacteria metabolize dietary carbohydrates. Gum diseases are infections that affect the tissues holding the teeth in place. They can get worse if a person has poor nutrition, body inflammation, or a weak immune system and all of them are influenced by our diet quality. Several studies demonstrate a positive association between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of head and neck cancers.
In contrast, natural and fibrous foods stimulate salivary flow, mechanically clean tooth surfaces and promote a more balanced microbial environment.The reduced masticatory effort required by soft processed foods also limits saliva production, compromising one of the key natural defenses of a body against acid attacks and bacterial growth.
Processed Foods and Dental Caries
Processed foods are a major contributor to the global rise in caries. The link between sugar and caries is well established. Processed foods contain free sugars that are easily metabolized by caries causing bacteria. These bacteria convert sugars into acids, lowering the pH in dental plaque and causing demineralization of the enamel.
Common examples include carbonated soft drinks, candies, pastries, breakfast cereals, and flavored dairy products. Many of these foods also exhibit high stickiness and low salivary clearance, meaning they remain in the mouth longer, allowing bacteria more time to produce acid.
Frequency of sugar intake also plays a significant role. Snacking on processed foods throughout the day maintains an acidic oral environment, preventing the natural remineralization of enamel.
A striking example of this trend is observed in children’s diets. The widespread marketing of sugary snacks and beverages to young audiences has increased the prevalence of early childhood caries. Studies show that children who consume sugary drinks daily are more likely to develop caries than those who limit intake to occasional consumption.
Processed Foods and Gum Diseases
The link between sugar and caries is well understood, the role of processed foods in gum diseases, is equally concerning. Processed foods lack essential nutrients that are vital for maintaining gum health. A deficiency in these nutrients weakens protien synthesis, impairs wound healing and increases susceptibility to infection. An essential nutrient, vitamin C deficiency leads to gum bleeding while diets low in antioxidants fail to neutralize reactive oxygen generated during chronic gum inflammation.
High-sugar and high-fat diets promote systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn aggravate gum tissue destruction. Processed foods rich in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats have been shown to alter the community of the microorganisms living in gut and mouth. It leads to dysbiosis, a microbial imbalance that triggers inflammation associated with gum diseases.
Moreover, processed food consumption is also accompanied by lifestyle patterns such as low physical activity, obesity, and poor sugar control, all of which are recognized risk factors for gum disease. Hence, the relationship between diet and periodontal health extends beyond the oral cavity, connecting with broader systemic metabolic health.
Processed Food and Oral Cancers
The increasing global intake of processed foods contributes indirectly to the growing burden of oral cancers through chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders and nutrient deficiencies. Nitrosamines and nitrites are commonly found in processed meats. They form cancer causing compounds when metabolized, damaging DNA in oral cells. Acrylamide, produced during high-temperature cooking of starchy foods, is another potential cancer causing agent linked with oral and gastrointestinal cancers.
Processed Food and Oral Ulcers
Processed foods irritate the oral lining or trigger allergic-type reactions causing ulceration. They are Painful round ulcers (Apthous ulcers) with a yellowish base and red border, commonly on the tongue, cheek or lip. Chips, sodas, tomato sauces, chocolates, and packaged snacks are the causes. As processed foods lack vitamins B-complex, iron, folate and zinc, they causes smooth, red tongue (Atrophic glossitis) and cracks at mouth corners (Angular cheilitis).
Role of Beverages and Drinks
A special mention is essential for carbonated and energy drinks. They are highly acidic and have become a major component of modern diets. Apart from their high sugar content, their low pH causes tooth wear and enhances caries progression.
Even “sugar-free” versions are harmful due to acids like citric or phosphoric acid that demineralize enamel.The habit of sipping such drinks slowly over time prolongs acid exposure, increasing erosion and sensitivity.
To prevent these negative effects it is advisable to limit the intake of sugary, acidic, and starchy foods that promote caries and gum disease. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy for balanced nutrition. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming processed foods or drinks. Educating children and about healthy eating and its link to oral health is essential for long-term prevention.
Prof. Asaad Javaid is a Dean, Bhitai Dental & Medical College, Mirpurkhas