Sugary Drinks and Your Oral Health

Sugary drinks include sweetened beverages such as regular soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices, cordial, sweetened teas, rice drinks, sugar cane and bean beverages. While these drinks may seem harmless, they contain high levels of sugar and acid that can harm both your dental and general health.

Excessive consumption of sugary or acidic drinks can lead to weight gain, obesity, and poor nutrition in adults and children. In younger children, sugary drink intake often reduces milk consumption, resulting in lower calcium levels and increasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures later in life. These drinks also contribute significantly to tooth decay and dental erosion.

The Hidden Dangers of Sugary Drinks

• A 600ml bottle of soft drink contains around 16 teaspoons of sugar.

• A 600ml sports drink has about 9 teaspoons of sugar.

• Nearly 47% of children aged 2–6 consume sugary drinks daily.

• Just 340ml of sugary drink per day can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by 22%.

Learn more about how obesity affects dental health.

Oral Health Effects

Frequent consumption of sugary drinks accelerates tooth decay and enamel erosion. Even diet soft drinks, although sugar-free, are highly acidic and can cause similar damage. Many sugary beverages also contain caffeine, which can affect hydration and lower the mouth’s pH, reducing saliva’s natural ability to protect your teeth.

Early exposure is particularly harmful. Prolonged or repeated contact between a baby’s teeth and sugary liquids has been linked to early childhood caries.

To understand more, read about acidic drinks and dental erosion.

Smart Tips to Cut Back on Sugary Drinks

• Choose water first when you’re thirsty.

• Carry a water bottle to avoid buying sweet drinks.

• When ordering meals, opt for water or milk instead of soft drinks.

• Check nutrition labels carefully—“healthy-sounding” drinks can be misleading.

• For alcoholic beverages, explore lower-sugar options.

• Avoid the soft drink aisles and checkout specials when shopping.

• Limit how often and how much you drink sugary drinks per day.

• Use a straw to reduce acid contact with teeth.

• Rinse or brush your teeth after drinking sugary beverages.

• Encourage children to carry a water bottle to school.

• Avoid flavored milk or fruit juices with added sugar.

• If vending machines at school offer sweet drinks, advocate for healthier alternatives.

Sugary Drinks and Infant Care

For babies with teeth:

• Never settle your baby to sleep with bottles containing milk, cordial, fruit juice, or soft drink.

• If your child needs comfort before sleep, offer water or a dummy instead.

Establishing healthy habits early helps protect both your child’s dental health and their long-term wellbeing.