Everyone needs a pick me up, every now and then. If you’re someone who fills their cravings for a caffeine hit with a sugar-free energy drink, you may be surprised to find out that it’s not just sugar that can harm your smile.
While many people already know that sugary drinks can lead to tooth decay, there’s more to the story when it comes to fizzy energy drinks – including the sugar-free varieties. Join Dr Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer here at mydentist, as she explains the risks of drinking sugar-free fizzy drink and shares practical advice to help you protect your smile.
Fizzy drinks and tooth decay
Most people understand that drinks high in sugar can lead to cavities, but when it comes to energy drinks, the risks go beyond sweetness. Nyree explains here that even sugar-free versions can pose a threat.
“Although they’re growing in popularity, fizzy energy drinks can be detrimental to your oral health. Most energy drinks contain high levels of sugar, which can cause cavities and tooth decay. Most people are aware of the links between sugary drinks and tooth decay, but few realise that sugar-free fizzy drinks come with their own dental risks too. In any food or drink it’s not just sugar content people need to be aware of; they also need to watch out for acidity levels too.”
Acidity is often overlooked – but it’s one of the biggest contributors to long-term dental damage. Fizzy energy drinks are often packed with ingredients like citric acid and phosphoric acid, both of which erode tooth enamel – the protective outer layer that shields the sensitive parts of your teeth.
Nyree adds: “Food and drinks with high acidity increase the chances of tooth erosion, stripping away tooth enamel and exposing the soft and sensitive inside of the tooth. Tooth erosion leads to increased sensitivity, discolouration, and weakness which can result in teeth being more prone to cracks and chips. And it can’t be reversed – once a tooth loses its enamel it’s gone forever.”
Energy drinks and enamel erosion
The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body – but it’s not invincible. Once it’s worn away by acids, it doesn’t grow back. This makes enamel erosion one of the most serious and permanent risks of regular energy drink consumption.
In a 2024 article by The Sun, it was reported that children as young as ten are becoming hooked on energy drinks, sometimes consuming them first thing in the morning and in some instances,before breakfast. Without food to help neutralise the acids or stimulate saliva production, the damage to developing teeth can be even more severe.
At mydentist, we’re especially concerned about this trend – and we want to make sure families, teenagers, and young adults understand the risks and feel confident making healthier choices.
Caffeine, dry mouth and grinding
In addition to acidity and sugar, most energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine – often much more than a standard cup of coffee. While caffeine may give you a mental lift, it can also cause dry mouth, which increases your risk of tooth decay.
“Because energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, you may also experience a dry mouth – this is because saliva naturally helps to neutralise acids and protect your teeth, but caffeine can impact your saliva production. Over time, this could cause cavities and other oral health issues,” Nyree says.
Caffeine can also worsen teeth grinding, especially if consumed regularly or in large amounts. Grinding, or bruxism, can wear down enamel, cause jaw pain, and lead to tooth damage – especially when combined with weakened enamel from acids.
Nyree added: “Similarly, if you experience tooth grinding, you may find that caffeine triggers it, and this could cause tooth damage. One of the biggest culprits in all fizzy energy drinks – regardless of their sugar content – is phosphoric acid and citric acids (also known as citrates). These bond with calcium and eat away at tooth enamel.”
Top tips for protecting your teeth from fizzy drinks
You don’t have to give up energy drinks entirely to protect your oral health – but understanding the risks and making a few small changes can help limit the damage.
Nyree advised: “If you can’t resist an occasional energy drink, have it with a meal and drink it through a straw to limit its contact with teeth. It’s also worth rinsing your mouth out with water or milk afterwards as calcium-rich food and drink can help neutralise acids, as well as chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production.”
Fizzy energy drinks may offer a short-term boost, but the long-term effects on your smile can be serious and, in some cases, irreversible. By understanding what’s in your drinks and how they affect your mouth, you can make choices that support a healthy, confident smile today and for years to come.
At mydentist, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have concerns about sensitivity, enamel loss, or general oral health, our teams are on hand to offer friendly advice and outstanding patient care.
If you’re concerned about your dental health, browse our comprehensive treatment offering or find more information about mydentist at www.mydentist.co.uk. Or if you're new to mydentist and looking for a practice, find your local mydentist practice today.