Energy drinks are soaring in popularity among South African youth, offering quick energy boosts.
However, dentists warn of the hidden health risks these high sugar and often caffeinated beverages pose, particularly to dental health.
Some energy drinks pack up to 55 grams of sugar – equivalent to 14 teaspoons – nearly double the recommended daily limit for free sugars.
Research by the Oral Health Foundation reveals that enamel erosion can begin just five days after consuming these drinks.
KwaDukuza dentist Dr Zahra Cassim said an alarming number of her patients were suffering from damage to their tooth enamel and decay as a direct result of drinking energy drinks every day.
“We are seeing this trend particularly among children who are being allowed unlimited access to energy drinks, and adults in the lower income brackets who often have inadequate nutrition and depend on energy drinks to get through the day.
The damage to their teeth is often severe and in many cases irreversible,” said Dr Cassim.
The high acid content in energy drinks erodes the tooth enamel, leaving teeth exposed to harmful bacteria. Without enamel protection, teeth become more sensitive, leading to pain and discomfort when eating certain foods.
Over time, this damage can cause inflamed roots, bleeding gums, and other serious dental issues as bacteria penetrate deeper into the teeth.
The enamel cannot be regrown after it has been damaged.
Dr Cassim recommends an immediate diet change, coupled with using a desensitising toothpaste and treatments to help protect the teeth from further damage.
“Be aware of what you put into your body. Sugar and artificial sweeteners can have a devastating effect on your dental health,” she said.
Dr Cassim said both energy drinks and the non-caffinated ‘sports drink’ are problematic when consumed regularly.
Tongaat dentist Dr Sanjay Nandlal agreed that drinks marketed for sport are a major culprit and are not as healthy as they appear to be.
“There is a significant increase in tooth decay amongst teenagers especially those playing sport after school. A suggestion would be to keep away from energy drinks or rinse after drinking them,” he said.
Many health professionals suggest that age restrictions be implemented on the sale of energy drinks, particularly to minors.
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