Prevalence and Risk of Dental Erosion Linked to Carbonated Drinks in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | Adolescents (typically aged 10-19 years) |
| I — Intervention | Carbonated beverage consumption |
| C — Comparator | No or low carbonated beverage consumption |
| O — Outcomes | Dental erosion prevalence and risk (odds ratio) |
Bottom Line
This systematic review of 24 studies involving over 21,000 adolescents found dental erosion affects more than one-third of teenagers globally (37.6%). Carbonated beverage consumption nearly doubles the risk of dental erosion (OR 1.98). However, the high heterogeneity between studies (I² = 80%) and lack of quality assessment details limit confidence in these findings. While the association appears robust, clinicians should interpret results cautiously given methodological limitations. The evidence supports current dietary counselling against excessive carbonated drink consumption but highlights the need for standardised erosion assessment criteria and better-quality primary studies.
Key Findings
P Value: P < 0.0001
Effect Size: OR = 1.98 (98% increased risk)
Primary Outcome: Dental erosion prevalence in adolescents
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Pooled prevalence 37.6% (95% CI: 26.3-49.7%)
Confidence Interval: 95% CI: 1.42-2.77
Clinical Application
Dietary counselling and preventive measures readily implementable in primary care Relevant to Australian adolescents; supports RACGP preventive care guidelines and public health initiatives targeting sugary drink consumption Adolescents aged 10-19 years in various healthcare settings
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of dental erosion due to carbonated beverage consumption among adolescents and the association between both variables through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO. Observational studies were included, and the PEO framework was used to identify dental erosion and non-erosion (outcome) and intake of carbonated beverages (exposure) in adolescents (population). The prevalence of dental erosion and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) to determine the risk of carbonated beverages were estimated with MedCalc V.23.0.2 and Review Manager (RevMan V.5.4.1) software, respectively. A P value 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled sample included 21,541 adolescents, and the overall erosion prevalence was 37.6% (95%CI 26.3, 49.7%). The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between carbonated beverage consumption and dental erosion (OR = 1.98, 95%CI: 1.42-2.77; 7785 participants; I2 = 80%; P 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Dental erosion is a prevalent condition among adolescents, with a pooled prevalence of 37.6%. Carbonated beverage consumption among adolescents is associated with a 98% increased risk of dental erosion.
References
- 1.Juárez López, M. L. A., Gutierrez-Moreno, M. F., Castrejón-Delgado, L., & Sánchez-Rodríguez, M. A. (2026). Prevalence and risk of dental erosion linked to carbonated drinks in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.ohpd.c_2619
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