Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Among Caregivers and Children in the “Happy Smile” Project: Associations with Family Dietary Patterns and Periodontal Health–Related Quality of Life

Background/Objectives: The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has increased markedly in recent decades and has been associated with adverse health outcomes. In childhood, the family environment plays a central role in shaping dietary habits and oral health behaviors. This study investigated the association between UPF consumption by caregivers and children, its relationship with caregivers’ periodontal health–related quality of life and described children’s dietary practices and oral hygiene habits. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with caregivers of children participating in the Happy Smile Project in Birigui, São Paulo, Brazil. UPF consumption was assessed using a questionnaire based on the NOVA classification, considering intake in the 24 hours prior to data collection. Caregivers’ periodontal health–related quality of life was evaluated using the OHIP-14-PD. Statistical analyses included the Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression adjusted for caregiver education level and household income. Results: A high frequency of UPF consumption was observed among both caregivers and children. Children whose caregivers had high UPF consumption were more likely to also present high consumption (OR = 8.66; 95% CI: 5.00–14.99; p < 0.001). Higher caregiver education was associated with lower odds of high UPF consumption among children. Children in the high-consumption group were older and showed higher consumption of sweetened milk beverages (p < 0.001). Risk behaviors for oral health, such as nighttime use of sweetened bottles and absence of toothbrushing afterward, were frequently reported. Regarding periodontal health–related quality of life, only the physical disability domain of the OHIP-14-PD showed significantly higher scores among caregivers with high UPF consumption (p = 0.014). Conclusions: In conclusion, high consumption of ultra-processed foods by caregivers significantly increased the odds of children’s consumption and was associated with a greater negative impact on caregivers’ periodontal health–related quality of life. In addition, children exhibited a high frequency of oral health–damaging behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of family-centered strategies aimed at reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods and promoting healthier oral health behaviors to improve overall quality of life.