Ultra Processed Foods – Debate Heats Up
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 29 January 2025 07:56
- Written by Peter Ingle
- Hits: 1260
A recent study claiming to link consumption of ultra processed foods and a reduction in jaw size has received widespread coverage from Newsweek to The Telegraph, with Dr Tim Spector weighing in with his agreement.
Those reading the story might have wondered about the quality of evidence used to support the claimed link. The British Orthodontic Society (BOS), have now commented, and they do not appear to be in team Spector.
Hayley Llandro, Director of External Relations for the BOS, said, “the theory that modern diets based around softer foods has led to jaw/dental changes over time (e.g. impacted wisdom teeth) is not new and has been around for some time. Changes to jaw development through diet could be possible but this has likely occurred over many years of evolution. 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.”
Acknowledging that there may be more pressing concerns about UPF’s she added: “However, as health professionals we would of course support limiting the number of ultra-processed foods consumed as not only do these foods have an adverse effect on overall health, they are often high in sugar leading to dental caries which is also a major health issue in the UK. A healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables is good for any patient. We would also say to parents not to be concerned that they need to feed their children hard foods just to prevent the need for braces, as this is not a guarantee.”
The BOS went on to add a reminder that there is no scientific evidence to suggest patients can change the shape of their face or improve their intelligence by chewing or holding teeth and the tongue in a closed position, or indeed making any kind of facial movements.
The society’s response was linked to their previous statement made after the erasure of Michael Mew in November 2024, which rebutted a number of claims made for the ‘orthotropic’ treatment philosophy. In a world of increased uniformity it may be surprising that the published work of researchers in Valencia might see them sanctioned by the GDC.
Perhaps the last word belongs to Professor Ross Hobson, BDS, MDS, PhD, FDS, MDOrth (RCPS), FDS (RCS Ed), FDS (RCS Eng), SFHEA, FCGDent, who has published over 60 refereed articles on Orthodontics, hypodontia, dental materials and education. He left a succinct comment on the original GDPUK story: “What a pile of BS - the rise in orthodontic demand is not due to ’shrinking’ jaws, rather public demand.”
You need to be logged in to leave comments.
Report
My comments