>> The thesis, which has been awarded a grade of Outstanding Cum Laudem, links periodontal deterioration with periodontal deterioration with the high consumption of ultra-processed foods such as milkshakes, pastries and sugary juices. and males are the most affected.
A doctoral thesis by ADEMA professor Irene Coll, supervised by Dr. Nora López Safont, reveals that three out of four 15-year-old adolescents show signs of periodontal disease. Specifically, 75.9% of the young people analyzed show some type of gum disease, with boys being the most affected group. The thesis, which received an Outstanding Cum Laude rating, establishes a clear relationship between this condition and the regular consumption of ultra-processed products.
To analyze the consumption of these foods, part of the study included a sample of 233 students from public and private schools on the island, registered with the ADEMA Oral Health and Nutritional Habits Observatory. Only 22.7% of the adolescents analyzed had healthy oral areas, while more than half (52.8%) showed the presence of dental calculus, a clear sign of periodontal disease.
The selection of schools and students was carried out using stratified cluster random sampling, following the Pathfinder method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This approach allowed for the inclusion of relevant population subgroups with potential differences in oral health, taking into account not only age but also the type of school (public or private/subsidized) and place of residence (rural or urban).
In addition, data were collected using standardized WHO oral health survey forms, and questionnaires were administered to determine the students’ dietary habits and nutritional knowledge. These instruments were adapted from guidelines developed by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
The questionnaires were administered by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals (dentists, physicians, biologists, and nutritionists), who asked the students questions directly and recorded their responses. Unanswered questions were considered missing values.
Differences between female and male adolescents
One of the most significant findings of the thesis is the gender difference. Girls had a higher average number of healthy sextants (areas of the mouth), with an average of 3.26 compared to 2.70 observed in boys. This statistically significant difference points to poorer hygiene habits among boys and a higher consumption of foods harmful to oral health.
The role of ultra-processed foods
Among the products implicated in poorer oral health are processed smoothies, sugary juices, pastries, and canned fruits. Among boys, negative effects were also found associated with the frequent consumption of salty snacks and cured meats. Among girls, the only product with a statistically significant impact was processed juice.
These foods, rich in added sugars, saturated fats, and additives, alter the balance of the oral microbiota, fostering an acidic environment that favors the proliferation of bacteria responsible for periodontal disease.
Adolescence, a key stage for prevention
Dr. Irene Coll believes that adolescence is a crucial period for developing healthy lifestyle habits. A diet rich in ultra-processed foods creates an acidic environment in the mouth that favors the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, according to her, who warns that “the combination of poor nutrition and poor oral hygiene can have long-lasting consequences for oral health.”
Measures and recommendations
The thesis argues for the need to strengthen educational campaigns on oral health and nutrition in schools, paying special attention to gender differences to increase their effectiveness. It also emphasizes the importance of incorporating messages that connect general health with oral health, beyond brushing: “Taking care of your diet also means taking care of your mouth,” it concludes.