Blog

Dentists have lauded football superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, after the Portuguese captain made a point of swapping bottles of Coca Cola for water in a TV press conference. 

Ronaldo was speaking to the media ahead of a Euro 2021 clash in Budapest when he was filmed removing the bottles of Coke and putting water on the table instead. He joked that everyone should drink water and then started answering questions from the media. At the time, it didn’t seem like a huge gesture but there was a flurry of activity in the markets and all the newspapers picked up the story, with Coca Cola shares plummeting in value and headlines talking about the very public snub.

James Goolnik, dentist and founder of charity, Rewards Project, praised the move, suggesting that it could lead to a decline in the consumption of fizzy drinks. Ronaldo is one of the most high-profile celebrities in the world and if he is capable of wiping $4 billion off the share price for Coca Cola, Mr Goolnik commented, then he can inspire others to give up fizzy drinks and make healthier choices. 

Dental hygienist and therapist, Amber Ojak, also suggested that Ronaldo’s press conference could be significant, as he is a role model for millions of young people and children all over the world. He has more than 270 million Instagram followers, more than Ariana Grande, Kylie Jenner and The Rock. 

The British Dental Association also supports Ronaldo’s actions but chair, Eddie Crouch, insists that there is a very long way to go to reduce consumption and bring rates of tooth decay down. Sports players are often associated with brands that promote and sell sugary drinks, energy drinks and fast food and as long as celebrities continue to endorse products, people will buy them. Mr Crouch urged ministers to look into how sports icons advertise products and partner with brands if they are serious about tackling childhood obesity and high rates of dental disease among young people.