A growing body of research is exploring the potential effects of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) on human health, with new concerns emerging about their role in shaping our physical development, particularly the size and shape of our jaws.
Diet and Jaw Development: A Historical Perspective
Studies examining the skulls of people from various populations have shown that diet can significantly influence jaw formation. For example, individuals who transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to agricultural societies tended to have smaller, differently shaped jaws. This trend has been observed across different eras, including pre- and post-industrial societies, where the increased consumption of processed foods coincided with changes in jaw size.
While teeth have also become smaller over time, research suggests that the reduction in jawbone size has been even more pronounced. This shift is believed to contribute to common dental issues like overcrowding, crooked teeth, and misaligned bites. According to Dr. Carolyn Rando, an expert in bioarchaeology at UCL, the transition to an industrialized diet accelerated these dental problems, particularly malocclusion (misalignment of teeth).
Moreover, the evolution of jawbones has been linked to changes in human speech, with smaller jaws making it easier to form sounds like “f” and “v.”
The Role of Chewing and Jawbone Growth
Experts theorize that the act of chewing tougher, harder foods—such as raw vegetables and meat—stimulates jawbone growth. Research in animals supports this idea, showing that more forceful chewing encourages stronger jaw development. This suggests that softer diets may fail to provide the necessary stimulation for optimal jawbone growth.
Link Between UPFs and Jaw Size in Children
Ultra-processed foods, often soft and easy to consume, have raised concerns about their impact on children’s jaw development. A pilot study published last year by researchers in Spain explored this connection. The study, which analyzed the diets and skull measurements of 25 children aged three to five, found that children who primarily consumed liquid or semi-solid foods had smaller gaps between their lower teeth compared to those who ate more solid foods. These gaps typically fill as adult teeth emerge, suggesting that a lack of solid food in early childhood might hinder normal jaw development.
However, the study had limitations—it was small in scale, did not specifically examine whether the foods were ultra-processed, and did not track the children’s permanent teeth. As a result, it could not establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship.
Professor Tim Spector, a prominent researcher in gut health, emphasized the possibility that a diet of predominantly baby food could prevent children from developing the jaw muscles needed for proper jaw growth. He argued that this trend, particularly prevalent in Western countries like the UK and the US, could be contributing to the shrinking of jawbones.
What Do Experts Say?
While some experts, such as Dr. Hayley Llandro of the British Orthodontic Society, acknowledge that diet may influence jaw development, they also stress the role of genetics. “Dietary changes alone may not override our genetic predispositions,” she explained. While she agrees that reducing ultra-processed foods could help prevent tooth decay, she cautioned against overemphasizing the need for hard foods to prevent orthodontic issues, as this is not a guaranteed solution.
Dr. Rando, who continues to research jawbone evolution, noted that the shift in jaw size could be due to environmental factors, particularly diet, rather than being purely evolutionary. “Small tooth size might be more genetically driven, but smaller jaws appear more closely related to our changing food environment,” she said.
Other experts, like Rayon, are skeptical that ultra-processed foods alone will lead to drastic changes in jaw size. Rando pointed out that softer foods have been a part of the human diet for centuries, even as far back as the Victorian era when white bread and jam were staples.
The Rise of Mewing: A Social Media Phenomenon
In addition to dietary concerns, social media trends like “mewing” have sparked interest in exercises purported to reshape the jaw and face. Mewing, a technique popularized by British orthodontists Dr. John Mew and his son Dr. Mike Mew, claims that specific tongue and jaw movements can significantly alter facial structure. However, the British Orthodontic Society has strongly refuted these claims, stating there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that such exercises can reshape the face or improve cognitive abilities.
Conclusion
The debate over the impact of ultra-processed foods on jaw development continues to evolve. While some experts suggest a connection, others argue that genetic factors play a larger role. What remains clear is that the soft, processed foods prevalent in modern diets could have implications for both dental health and overall physical development. As research continues, the role of diet in shaping our jaws, particularly in children, remains a subject of significant interest and concern.
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