Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

The Relationship Between Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Oral Health

Turkey (Türkiye)200 participantsStarted 2026-04-27

Plain-language summary

The goal of this observational study is to examine the potential relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and the presence of dental caries and periodontal disease, and to evaluate the role of the Ultra-Processed Food Index (UPFI) in this association. The main question it aims to answer is: Does increased consumption of ultra-processed foods raise the risk or severity of dental caries and periodontal disease in individuals? Participants will include individuals within a specified age range who voluntarily agree to participate in the study. Oral health status will be assessed through standard clinical parameters, including the presence of caries, plaque index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing. Dietary habits will be evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and individual UPFI scores will be calculated. The study will aim to observe and analyze the effects of ultra-processed food consumption on oral health outcomes.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals between the ages of 18 and 65, * Individuals with at least 20 teeth, * Not having received periodontal treatment in the last 6 months, * Not having taken antibiotics, steroids, and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the last 3 weeks, * Not having any autoimmune disease, osteoporosis, or cancer, * Not using immunosuppressive drugs, oral contraceptives, or bisphosphonates, * Not being pregnant, * Not having an active infectious disease (acute hepatitis, tuberculosis, AIDS), * Not using chronic medications that affect periodontal tissues (cyclosporine A, Phenytoin), * Not having taken antioxidant supplements in the last 6 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with endocrine or genetic disorders such as hypothyroidism, type 1 diabetes mellitus, or Cushing's syndrome * Patients with active infectious disease * Patients taking medications that may affect periodontal tissues * Patients who have recently taken antibiotics (within 4 months) * Patients with alcohol/drug use * Patients with psychological disorders * Patients with eating disorders, dementia * Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding * Patients with any food allergies * Patients who do not sign the informed consent form

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Ultra-Processed Food Index (UPFI)

Timeframe: Day 1

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07427095

SponsorRecep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-09-07

Contact for this trial

Oguz KOSE, Professor Dr.

+90 541 348 64 65 oguz.kose@erdogan.edu.tr

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Ultra-processed Food trials