Association between Energy Drink Consumption and Dental Enamel Erosion: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: Energy-drink consumption is increasing among young adults and may be associated with enamel erosion and greater caries experience. This cross-sectional study assessed the association between frequency of energy-drink use and clinical indices of enamel erosion and dental caries. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan, from January 2024 to March 2024. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional clinical study was performed on 200 adults (18–55 years) attending School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad dental clinics. Demographic, dietary and oral-hygiene data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Clinical examinations recorded enamel erosion using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) and caries experience using the DMFT index. Associations were tested with a chi-square and one-way ANOVA; multivariable regression was used to adjust for age, sex, sugar intake, fluoride use, and smoking. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Of 200 participants, 75% were aged 18–35 years and 60% were male. Daily energy-drink consumption was reported by 25% and 2–3 times/week by 35%. BEWE scores indicated no erosion in 35%, mild in 40%, moderate in 20%, and severe in 5% of participants. DMFT distribution was 0–3 (45%), 4–6 (35%), 7–10 (15%) and >10 (5%). Higher frequency of energy-drink consumption was associated with greater BEWE severity (Chi-square p = [INSERT P-VALUE]) and higher DMFT categories (Chi-square p = [INSERT P-VALUE). In multivariable analysis, frequent consumption (daily) remained associated with higher BEWE scores after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR = [INSERT], 95% CI [INSERT], p = [INSERT]). Conclusion: Frequent energy-drink consumption was associated with higher clinical enamel-erosion scores and greater caries experience. Targeted preventive education and improved oral-hygiene practices are recommended.