Reports of energy drinks ban welcome, say dentists
NewsPosted by: Dental Design 17th July 2019
The British Dental Association has welcomed reports that Health Secretary Matt Hancock is moving to ban sales of energy drinks to under-16s. The drinks, which contain a double whammy of acids and sugars, have helped fuel an epidemic or decay and erosion.
Even though a number of brands reformulated in advance of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, several brands including sector leaders Monster still contain up to 14 tsp of sugar in a single serving – more than twice the recommended daily allowance for younger children.
Forty-six per cent of 15-year-olds had obvious experience of tooth decay in the last national survey.
The acidity of these drinks is also a major contributor to dental erosion, which affects up to 44% of children aged 15. And the caffeine content in energy drinks exacerbates oral health problems by inhibiting saliva flow
British Dental Association chair Mick Armstrong said:
“Anyone who values prevention or children’s health will welcome this move.
“Dentists see the damage energy drinks do everyday. Products that are habit forming, highly acidic and come laced with 14 teaspoons of sugar have no place on the menu for kids.”
