Food and beverage companies use advertising on TV, product packaging, magazines, and store displays to influence children to eat more sugary products, which increases their risk of cavities and tooth decay. According to Gram Research analysis of 20 studies, children exposed to more marketing eat significantly more sugary foods and drinks, with companies deliberately targeting young people because they’re easier to influence than adults.
A major review of 20 research studies shows that food and beverage companies use clever marketing to get children to eat more sugary products, which damages their teeth. According to Gram Research analysis, companies advertise unhealthy foods on TV, in magazines, and at store checkouts, places where kids see them most. The research found that children who see more of these ads eat more sugary foods and drinks, leading to cavities and tooth decay. This marketing happens worldwide and affects kids in both rich and poor countries, making it harder for some families to keep their children’s teeth healthy.
Key Statistics
A 2026 scoping review of 20 published studies found that children exposed to food and beverage marketing consume more sugary products, directly increasing their risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Research reviewed by Gram identified that food companies market unhealthy products through multiple channels including television, product packaging, children’s magazines, and store checkouts, with children and adolescents as primary targets.
According to the 2026 scoping review, commercial marketing strategies contribute to widening oral health inequities, affecting children in both developed and developing nations disproportionately.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How food and drink companies use advertising and marketing to influence what children eat, and whether this affects their dental health
- Who participated: A review of 20 published research studies examining marketing’s impact on children’s eating habits and tooth health across different countries
- Key finding: Children exposed to more food and beverage marketing eat more sugary products, which increases their risk of cavities and tooth decay
- What it means for you: Be aware of how advertising influences your child’s food choices. Limiting screen time and discussing healthy eating can help protect their teeth from marketing messages promoting sugary foods
The Research Details
Researchers looked at 20 different studies published in scientific journals to understand how commercial marketing affects children’s oral health. They searched four major medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) and followed strict rules about which studies to include. This type of review, called a scoping review, helps map out what scientists already know about a topic and identify gaps in research.
The researchers focused on studies examining how marketing of sugary foods, beverages, tobacco, and alcohol influences children’s eating habits and dental health. They looked at marketing through many channels: television commercials, product packaging, children’s magazines, and store displays. By reviewing all these studies together, they could see patterns in how companies target children and what effect this has on their teeth.
This research approach is important because it shows the big picture of how commercial marketing affects children’s health. Instead of looking at just one study, reviewing multiple studies helps us understand whether the effect is real and widespread. This type of evidence is valuable for parents, doctors, and policymakers who want to protect children’s dental health.
This review followed established scientific guidelines (Joanna Briggs Institute methodology) and was reported according to international standards (PRISMA-ScR). The researchers searched multiple databases to find studies, reducing the chance they missed important research. However, the review only included 20 studies out of 626 records found, meaning many studies didn’t meet their strict criteria. The quality depends on the individual studies reviewed, which varied in their methods and rigor.
What the Results Show
The research clearly shows that children who see more food and beverage advertising eat more sugary products. This increased sugar consumption directly leads to more cavities and tooth decay. Companies use multiple marketing channels to reach children, television is a major one, but they also advertise on product packaging, in children’s magazines, and at store checkouts where kids can see them.
The studies found that unhealthy food products are heavily advertised in children’s media. Television shows and channels aimed at kids feature many commercials for sugary cereals, drinks, and snacks. This constant exposure influences children’s preferences and eating habits, making them want these products more.
Children and teenagers are the primary targets of this marketing because they’re easier to influence than adults. Their brains are still developing, and they don’t yet understand that advertisements are designed to make them want things. Companies know this and deliberately aim their marketing at young people.
The research found that these marketing practices affect children in both wealthy countries and developing nations. This means the problem is global, not limited to one region. Additionally, the studies showed that commercial marketing contributes to widening health inequalities, meaning children from lower-income families may be more affected because they see more ads and have less access to healthy food alternatives.
This review builds on existing knowledge that marketing influences children’s behavior. Previous research has shown that advertising affects what kids want to eat, but this review confirms that the effect is substantial and happens through multiple channels. The findings align with what health organizations have warned about for years: commercial marketing is a significant factor in childhood obesity and dental disease.
The review only examined 20 studies, so there may be other relevant research not included. Most studies focused on food and beverage marketing rather than tobacco and alcohol, so we know less about those products’ effects on oral health. The studies came from different countries with different marketing rules, making it hard to compare results directly. Additionally, the review couldn’t determine exactly how much marketing affects tooth decay compared to other factors like access to dental care or family income.
The Bottom Line
Parents should limit children’s exposure to food advertising by reducing screen time, especially during children’s programming. When watching TV together, discuss why companies advertise sugary foods and help children understand these are marketing tactics. Provide healthy snacks at home and teach children about nutrition. Schools and communities should advocate for stricter rules on marketing unhealthy foods to children. These recommendations are supported by strong evidence from multiple studies.
Parents, caregivers, and teachers should care about this research because it directly affects children’s health. Dentists and pediatricians can use this information to counsel families about marketing’s influence. Policymakers should consider these findings when creating rules about food advertising to children. Children themselves benefit from understanding how marketing works.
Changes in eating habits and dental health take time. If a child reduces sugar intake after limiting exposure to advertising, improvements in tooth health may appear within months, but significant changes in cavity rates typically take 6-12 months to become noticeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does food advertising affect children’s teeth?
Food advertising influences children to eat more sugary products, which causes cavities and tooth decay. Companies target kids through TV, magazines, and store displays because children’s brains are still developing and they don’t yet understand that ads are designed to make them want things.
What channels do food companies use to market to kids?
Companies advertise through television commercials, product packaging and labels, children’s magazines, and point-of-sale displays at stores. These multiple channels ensure children see unhealthy food messages repeatedly throughout their day.
Are children in poor countries affected by food marketing differently?
Research shows that commercial marketing affects children worldwide, but it may impact lower-income families more severely because they have less access to healthy food alternatives and may see more advertisements.
What can parents do to protect their children from food marketing?
Limit screen time, discuss why companies advertise sugary foods, provide healthy snacks at home, and teach children about nutrition. Talking with kids about marketing tactics helps them understand these are persuasion strategies, not recommendations.
How long does it take to see improvements in dental health after reducing sugar intake?
Changes in eating habits can show dental benefits within months, but significant improvements in cavity rates typically take 6-12 months to become noticeable as teeth remineralize and new decay is prevented.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily screen time and food advertisements your child sees, then monitor their sugary snack consumption. Record instances of unhealthy food requests and note whether they increase after certain TV shows or media exposure.
- Use the app to set daily screen time limits for children, create a list of healthy snack alternatives to offer instead of advertised products, and log meals to identify patterns of sugar consumption related to marketing exposure.
- Weekly review of screen time and sugary food intake. Monthly tracking of dental health indicators (like plaque buildup or cavity development). Quarterly assessment of whether reducing ad exposure correlates with improved eating habits and dental health.
This research review summarizes findings from published studies about how food marketing affects children’s oral health. It is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice. Parents concerned about their child’s dental health should consult with a pediatric dentist or pediatrician. Individual responses to marketing exposure and dietary changes vary. This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
