The Truth About Sparkling Water and Your Teeth

Do you like fizzy water? Many people drink sparkling water instead of soda. But is it bad for your teeth? Let’s find out the truth.

What Is Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water is water with bubbles. The bubbles come from carbon dioxide gas. This makes the water fizzy and gives it a tangy taste.

Types of sparkling water:

• Plain sparkling water
• Flavored sparkling water
• Mineral sparkling water

Is Sparkling Water Bad For Your Teeth?

The short answer: Plain sparkling water is mostly safe for your teeth. But it can still hurt your teeth a little bit over time.

Let’s look at why:

The Science: How Acid Affects Your Teeth

Your teeth have a hard outer layer called enamel. Enamel keeps your teeth strong. Acid can make enamel get soft and weak. This is called enamel erosion.

All sparkling water is a bit acidic. The bubbles in the water make a weak acid called carbonic acid. But this acid is not as strong as the acid in soda.

pH Levels – What You Need to Know

pH tells us how acidic something is. Lower numbers mean more acid:

• Regular water: pH 7 (not acidic)
• Plain sparkling water: pH 4-5 (a little acidic)
• Soda: pH 2.5 (very acidic)
• Orange juice: pH 3.5 (quite acidic)

Plain sparkling water is much less acidic than soda. This means it’s less likely to hurt your teeth.

Comparing Drinks and Their Effects on Teeth

Here is a simple chart to help you understand:

As you can see, plain sparkling water has a low risk to your teeth. But it’s not as safe as still water.

Flavored Sparkling Water: The Hidden Danger

Flavored sparkling water can be more harmful than plain sparkling water. Why? Because:

1. Flavors like lemon, lime, and berry have extra acids
2. These acids can be as bad as orange juice for your teeth
3. The pH of flavored waters can be 4 or lower

A study found that flavored sparkling waters can damage your tooth enamel similar to orange juice. This is because they add citric acid for flavor.

When Sparkling Water Becomes a Problem

Sparkling water is more likely to hurt your teeth when:

• You drink more than 3 cans a day
• You sip slowly all day long
• You drink it with acidic foods like lemons or vinegar
• You have dry mouth (less saliva to protect your teeth)
• You already have sensitive teeth or worn enamel

The way you drink matters a lot. Sipping all day is worse than drinking quickly.

How to Enjoy Sparkling Water Safely

Good news! You can still enjoy sparkling water and keep your teeth healthy. Here’s how:

5 Tips to Protect Your Teeth

1. Use a straw to keep the fizzy water away from your teeth
2. Drink water after having sparkling water to wash away the acid
3. Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after sparkling water
4. Choose plain sparkling water instead of flavored kinds
5. Have cheese or milk with your sparkling water to help protect your teeth

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Myths About Sparkling Water

Let’s clear up some wrong ideas about sparkling water:

Myth 1: “Sparkling water doesn’t hydrate you as well as still water.”

FACT: Sparkling water hydrates you just as well as still water.

Myth 2: “All sparkling water brands are the same.”

FACT: Different brands can have different pH levels. Some brands are less acidic than others.

Myth 3: “Sugar-free means it’s completely safe for teeth.”

FACT: Even without sugar, the acid in sparkling water can still affect your teeth over time.

Who Should Be Extra Careful With Sparkling Water?

Some people should be extra careful with sparkling water:

• People with sensitive teeth
• People with braces or night guards
• People who have had enamel erosion before
• People with dry mouth
• People who grind their teeth at night

If you have any of these issues, talk to your dentist about how much sparkling water is safe for you.

What Dentists Say About Sparkling Water

Dentists generally agree that:

1. Plain sparkling water is much better than soda for your teeth
2. Still water is always the best choice for dental health
3. How you drink matters as much as what you drink
4. Fluoridated water (still or sparkling) can help protect teeth

Dr. Andrew Swiatowicz, a dentist quoted in the Washington Post, says: “For most people, a few cans of plain sparkling water each day won’t cause significant enamel erosion.”

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Bottom Line: Should You Drink Sparkling Water?

Plain sparkling water is a good choice if:

• You want to stop drinking soda
• You drink it with meals (not sipping all day)
• You rinse with water afterward
• You don’t have special dental concerns

Flavored sparkling water should be:

• Enjoyed less often
• Drunk quickly (not sipped)
• Followed by rinsing with plain water

For the healthiest teeth, plain still water is always best. But sparkling water is a much better choice than soda or juice.

Summary: The Truth About Sparkling Water and Your Teeth

Let’s recap what we learned:

1. Sparkling water is mildly acidic due to carbonic acid
2. Plain sparkling water has a low risk of harming your teeth
3. Flavored sparkling waters can be more harmful due to added acids
4. How you drink matters – sipping all day is worse than drinking quickly
5. You can protect your teeth by using a straw, rinsing with water, and waiting before brushing
6. Moderation is key – 2-3 servings per day is generally fine for most people

If you care about your teeth, remember that regular dental checkups are important. Dental treatments like inlays and onlays can help fix any damage from acids in your diet.