In 2020, nearly one in three people worldwide lacked adequate access to food. Since then, global food prices have escalated, driven by a myriad of factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events linked to climate change, and geopolitical conflicts affecting grain production, particularly in Ukraine. This surge in food price inflation is exacerbating food insecurity, particularly in low and middle-income countries where the impact is most pronounced.
Food insecurity often forces individuals to substitute healthier food choices—such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins—with processed foods high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, directly contributing to poorer health outcomes. Furthermore, those with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension may forgo their medications to afford food, indirectly worsening their health.
Despite its significant implications, the relationship between food insecurity and oral health remains understudied. Available data suggest that children facing food insecurity tend to consume more refined carbohydrates, experience higher rates of dental caries, and brush their teeth less frequently compared to their food-secure peers. Similar patterns have been observed among adults in the United States and Korea.
Given that both food insecurity and oral diseases impact vast populations across all age groups, it is crucial to delve into this intersection. Understanding the ways in which these conditions are linked can pave the way for strategies to mitigate their adverse health effects.
This Research Topic aims to compile comprehensive information on the connections between food insecurity and oral health. We seek a diverse range of contributions, including:
- Original Research: Novel findings that advance our understanding of the link between food insecurity and oral health.
- Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Comprehensive analyses that synthesize existing data and provide new insights.
- Mini-Reviews: Concise articles summarizing current knowledge and emerging trends.
- Perspectives: Thought-provoking commentaries on the implications of food insecurity for oral health and potential intervention strategies.
Keywords:
Food Insecurity, Oral Health, Food shortage, Dental Caries, Diabetes, diet and oral health, refined carbohydrates, nutritional health, public health
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
In 2020, nearly one in three people worldwide lacked adequate access to food. Since then, global food prices have escalated, driven by a myriad of factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events linked to climate change, and geopolitical conflicts affecting grain production, particularly in Ukraine. This surge in food price inflation is exacerbating food insecurity, particularly in low and middle-income countries where the impact is most pronounced.
Food insecurity often forces individuals to substitute healthier food choices—such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins—with processed foods high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, directly contributing to poorer health outcomes. Furthermore, those with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension may forgo their medications to afford food, indirectly worsening their health.
Despite its significant implications, the relationship between food insecurity and oral health remains understudied. Available data suggest that children facing food insecurity tend to consume more refined carbohydrates, experience higher rates of dental caries, and brush their teeth less frequently compared to their food-secure peers. Similar patterns have been observed among adults in the United States and Korea.
Given that both food insecurity and oral diseases impact vast populations across all age groups, it is crucial to delve into this intersection. Understanding the ways in which these conditions are linked can pave the way for strategies to mitigate their adverse health effects.
This Research Topic aims to compile comprehensive information on the connections between food insecurity and oral health. We seek a diverse range of contributions, including:
- Original Research: Novel findings that advance our understanding of the link between food insecurity and oral health.
- Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Comprehensive analyses that synthesize existing data and provide new insights.
- Mini-Reviews: Concise articles summarizing current knowledge and emerging trends.
- Perspectives: Thought-provoking commentaries on the implications of food insecurity for oral health and potential intervention strategies.
Keywords:
Food Insecurity, Oral Health, Food shortage, Dental Caries, Diabetes, diet and oral health, refined carbohydrates, nutritional health, public health
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.