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.

This observational study will aim to investigate the association between ultra-processed food consumption and oral health outcomes, specifically focusing on dental caries and periodontal disease. Participants will include individuals within a defined age range who consent to take part in the study. Oral health status will be clinically assessed using standard parameters such as the presence of carious lesions, plaque index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing. Dietary intake will be evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and individual Ultra-Processed Food Index (UPFI) scores will be calculated. The study will analyze whether a higher intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with increased risk or severity of dental caries and periodontal disease. Findings from this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of modern dietary patterns on oral health and highlight the importance of nutritional strategies in preventive dentistry.

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

Patients coming to the Periodontology Clinic of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Dentistry for routine treatment