Energy drinks have become increasingly popular among teenagers, often promoted as a quick way to boost energy, improve concentration or support sports performance.
However, concerns about their effect on young people’s health have led the Government to confirm plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s in England from April 2027, subject to Parliamentary approval. The restriction is expected to cover sales in shops, vending machines and online.
Much of the discussion has focused on caffeine, sleep and concentration. However, energy drinks can also have a lasting effect on children’s teeth, including varieties labelled as sugar-free.
Why are energy drinks harmful to teeth?
Many energy drinks present two separate risks to dental health: sugar and acidity.
Sugar can contribute to tooth decay
When sugary drinks are consumed, bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar and produce acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel and can eventually cause cavities.
The risk is particularly high when someone sips a drink over an extended period. Each sip starts another acid attack, repeatedly exposing the teeth throughout the day.
Drinking an energy drink slowly during lessons, gaming, studying or travelling can therefore be more damaging than consuming the same amount in one sitting.
Acidity can cause dental erosion
Dental erosion is different from tooth decay. It happens when acids in food and drink directly soften and wear away the enamel covering the teeth.
Energy drinks are often highly acidic, including many sugar-free and low-sugar versions. This means replacing a standard energy drink with a sugar-free alternative may reduce the risk associated with sugar, but it does not remove the risk of enamel erosion.
Once tooth enamel has been lost, the body cannot naturally replace it.
What are the signs of dental erosion?
The early stages of erosion may be difficult to spot without a dental examination. As it progresses, possible signs include:
- Increased sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods
- Teeth beginning to look thinner or more translucent
- Yellowing as the darker dentine beneath the enamel becomes more visible
- Rounded or worn tooth edges
- Small dips appearing in the biting surfaces
- Fillings appearing raised as the surrounding enamel wears away
These changes usually happen gradually, which is why regular dental examinations are important.
Are sports drinks any better?
Energy drinks and sports drinks are not the same product. However, sports drinks can also contain sugar and acids that affect the teeth.
For most children taking part in ordinary school sports or recreational exercise, water is usually the best choice for hydration. Young athletes with specialist nutritional requirements should follow advice from an appropriate healthcare or sports nutrition professional.
It is also worth checking the labels of flavoured waters, fizzy drinks and other products marketed as providing energy or hydration. A healthy-looking label does not necessarily mean that a drink is tooth-friendly.
How can parents help?
Talking about the effect of energy drinks can be more useful than simply telling teenagers they are forbidden. Many young people do not realise that sugar-free drinks can still affect their teeth.
Practical steps include:
Make water the everyday choice
Water hydrates without exposing the teeth to sugar or acid. A refillable bottle makes it easier for children to drink water throughout the school day.
Avoid sipping acidic drinks for long periods
Frequent sipping repeatedly exposes the enamel to acid. If an acidic drink is consumed, having it with a meal is less harmful than drinking it little by little between meals.
Do not swish drinks around the mouth
Holding or swishing an acidic drink increases its contact with the teeth.
Rinse with water afterwards
Drinking or rinsing with plain water can help clear some of the remaining sugar and acid from the mouth.
Do not brush immediately afterwards
Acid temporarily softens the surface of the enamel. Brushing straight away can contribute to wear, so it is sensible to wait before brushing.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Teeth should be brushed for around two minutes last thing at night and on one other occasion. After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste but do not rinse immediately, as rinsing washes away the fluoride left on the teeth.
Will the new ban solve the problem?
The proposed restriction is an important step, but it will not remove every acidic or sugary drink from children’s diets.
The ban is intended to apply to drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre. It will not necessarily include every sports drink, fizzy drink or highly acidic sugar-free product.
Parents and young people will therefore still need to look beyond caffeine and consider the amount of sugar and acid in everyday drinks.
Worried about your child’s teeth?
Sensitivity, discolouration or changes in the shape of the teeth should not be ignored. A dental examination can identify early enamel erosion or tooth decay before the problem becomes more serious.
At Coppice View Dental Care, we can assess your child’s teeth, explain any areas of concern and provide practical advice based on their individual diet and dental health.
If you would like to arrange an appointment with our friendly team in Harrogate, please contact Coppice View Dental Care on 01423 503 428.
