Impact of Modern Dietary Habits on Oral Health in Children: A Narrative Review

Introduction. Dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood worldwide. In recent decades, children's dietary patterns have shifted toward increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, ultra-processed foods, and frequent snacking, raising concerns about their impact on oral health. Aim. To examine the impact of modern dietary habits on oral health outcomes in children, integrating epidemiological patterns, mechanistic insights, and preventive strategies. Material and Methods. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for English-language studies examining dietary habits and oral health in children aged 0–18 years. Studies were selected based on relevance to contemporary dietary patterns and pediatric oral health outcomes, with priority given to publications from the last 20 years. A total of 27 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Results. Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sugary snacks was consistently associated with higher caries prevalence across age groups and geographic settings. Ultra-processed food consumption was associated with poorer diet quality and indirect caries risk, though direct oral health evidence remains limited. Nutrient-dense diets were associated with reduced caries incidence, particularly when combined with oral hygiene education in school-based programs. Socioeconomic factors, including low parental education and limited access to preventive care, significantly moderated these associations. Conclusions. Modern dietary habits are consistently associated with poorer oral health outcomes in children, with the strongest evidence for sugar-sweetened beverages and dental caries. Integrated interventions combining dietary guidance, oral hygiene education, and targeted support for high-risk populations are needed to reduce the pediatric caries burden. Future prospective studies with standardized measures are warranted to strengthen the causal evidence base.