Surgeons respond to the Government’s introduction of legislation to ban high-caffeine energy drinks for under-16s

In response to the Government’s introduction of legislation to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under the age of 16 years in England, Professor Martyn Cobourne, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England), said:  

“Restricting the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s is an important step towards improving children’s oral health. These drinks are often extremely high in sugar, which increases the risk of tooth decay, and reducing children’s access to them will help protect their teeth and support healthier habits from an early age.”  

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children: consultation outcome - GOV.UK 

2. Energy drinks are often high in sugar. Frequent consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of tooth decay, which remains the most common oral disease affecting children and young people. 

3. Sugar feeds bacteria in dental plaque, which produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Over time, repeated acid attacks can lead to cavities, pain and infection. 

4. According to the latest national oral health survey, 16.2% of 10- and 11-year-olds in England have experience of obvious dental decay in permanent teeth. 

5. The Faculty of Dental Surgery has long supported measures to reduce children's consumption of sugary drinks and improve oral health. 

6. UK Oral Health Statistics Overview 

7. The Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling dentists and specialists to provide patients with the highest possible standards of practice and care.  

8. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research and championing the best outcomes for patients. 

9. For more information, please contact the RCS England press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6060; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk.  For out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.