**Dentist Sounds Alarm Over Hidden Dangers of Popular Drinks Consumed Daily Across the UK**
A prominent dental professional has raised concerns about the serious, long-term impacts energy drinks are having on oral health across Britain, with teenagers and young adults identified as the most vulnerable groups. Dr Deepa Chopra, a respected practitioner at Whites Dental, highlights the particularly damaging effects of these beverages, which, she argues, are often underestimated or even ignored in public discussions around dental care.
According to Dr Chopra, energy drinks pose an acute threat to teeth because of two critical factors: their substantial acidity and high sugar content. This combination, she warns, presents what she calls a “double threat” to dental enamel. “Whilst it’s widely recognised that fizzy drinks and sweets can harm teeth, the fact that energy drinks are just as, if not more, hazardous is frequently overlooked,” Dr Chopra explained in a recent interview. She added that these drinks are routinely consumed several times daily, especially by younger individuals, multiplying their harmful effects.
Enamel erosion, a process in which the protective outer layer of the teeth is worn away, is central to the oral health risks associated with energy drink consumption. Dr Chopra noted that regular intake can rapidly lead to increased sensitivity in the teeth, a noticeable yellowing, and even decay and eventual tooth loss if the trend persists without intervention.
A key aspect of Dr Chopra’s warning centres on the acidic quality of these drinks. She clarified, “Many people focus on sugar levels, but even the so-called ‘sugar-free’ options are highly acidic, often containing citric acid that slowly erodes enamel every time you take a sip.” The acidity of energy drinks is particularly alarming, she said, with their pH values regularly found to be lower than vinegar – typically between 2.5 and 3.5. This creates an extremely harsh environment in the mouth, particularly if drinks are consumed between meals or over prolonged periods.
The dentist also highlighted a problematic behaviour she’s witnessed among her patients: drinking these beverages slowly or having multiple cans throughout the day. “Every time someone lingers over an energy drink, their teeth are essentially sitting in a bath of acid, which causes cumulative and sometimes irreversible damage,” she outlined.
Recent statistics support Dr Chopra’s observations. The British Dental Journal reported in 2024 that cases of enamel erosion and hypersensitivity are climbing noticeably, particularly among people aged 15 to 25 – a trend strongly linked to energy drink consumption. Some nations have already responded to such data by implementing age-related sales restrictions on energy drinks, citing both health and behavioural concerns.
For those who do persist in drinking energy drinks, Dr Chopra advises several measures to help reduce the negative impact. Using a straw can curtail direct contact with teeth, and rinsing the mouth with water after drinking may help neutralise harmful acids. She also recommends avoiding brushing teeth immediately after consuming acidic drinks, to prevent damaging softened enamel, and cautions against sipping over long durations. While sugar-free varieties should not be considered safe, she concedes they can reduce the risk of sugar-induced decay.
Beyond oral health, Dr Chopra underlines the broader implications of neglecting dental care. With mounting evidence linking poor oral health to heart disease, diabetes, and even cognitive issues, she stresses, “The mouth is not separate from the rest of the body. Poor dental health can be a precursor to more serious systemic illness.”
In response to these worrying trends, Whites Dental advocates for a stronger focus on education around the dangers of highly acidic drinks. The hope is that families, teachers, and young people will be empowered to make better choices. Dr Chopra concluded with a pointed metaphor: “We would never let our children drink vinegar mixed with sugar. Yet that’s essentially what happens each time energy drinks are consumed. The time has come to treat them as the significant health risk they truly are.”