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.
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,
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)