Energy drinks linked to higher dental erosion among Italian adolescents

A recent systematic review published in Dentistry Journal examined ten clinical and observational studies involving 5,805 participants aged 6 to 89, finding that regular consumers of energy or sport drinks exhibited a significantly greater risk of dental enamel erosion compared to non‑consumers. The review, coordinated by researchers from the University of Hong Kong and Ohio State University, highlighted the role of high acid content—such as citric and phosphoric acids—in these beverages.

An Italian pediatric study of 430 youths aged 9 to 17, conducted by the Adolescence Study Group of the Italian Society of Pediatrics and reported in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics, revealed that 65% of respondents had tried an energy drink, with 39.2% starting before age 12. Despite pediatric societies recommending avoidance until age 18, the early and frequent consumption raises concerns about oral health, especially enamel erosion caused by low oral pH.

The findings suggest that the acidic composition of energy drinks contributes to progressive loss of tooth mineralisation, underscoring the need for increased awareness among parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the oral health risks associated with early energy‑drink intake.