Is sparkling water bad for my teeth?

Is your beloved sparkling water’s pleasurable fizz putting you in danger of dental decay? Because any carbonated beverage, including sparkling water, has a higher acid content, several studies have questioned whether drinking sparkling water may erode your dental enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form).

Is Sparkling Water Harmful to My Teeth?

Sparkling water is typically good for your teeth, according to existing research—and here’s why. Researchers evaluated whether sparkling water attacked tooth enamel more aggressively than standard lab water in a trial using teeth that were extracted as part of treatment and given for research. What’s the result? The effects of the two types of water on tooth enamel were similar. This shows that, even though sparkling water is somewhat more acidic than regular water, it’s all water to your teeth.

However, when it comes to soda and other carbonated beverages with added substances, the risk factors skyrocket. The acids and sugars in these drinks have acidogenic and cariogenic potential, according to a 2009 case report Trusted Source and can cause enamel erosion.

Carbonation is merely the adding of pressurized carbon dioxide gas to simple water without the addition of acids, sugars, or salt. It’s the addition of these chemicals that raises your tooth decay risk.

There is a widespread misconception that carbonic acid, which is formed when carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in carbonated water, is highly acidic and can damage teeth. However, a 1999 study trusted source and a 2012 study trusted source suggest that this is not the case and that the concentration of carbon dioxide does not harm the enamel of the teeth. So, how to keep your teeth healthy?

Tips for Drinking Sparkling Water and how to Keep Your teeth healthy

Sugary drinks are considerably worse for your teeth than sparkling water. Additionally, make sure you drink enough fluoridated water—it’s the finest beverage for your teeth. Fluoridated water fights cavities naturally, washes away the leftover food that cavity-causing bacteria feast on, and stops your mouth from drying out (which can put you at a higher risk of cavities).

Keep an eye on the ingredients in your sparkling water. Citrus-flavored fluids have a greater acid content, which increases the risk of enamel damage. Plan to eat these all at once or with meals. This way, you’re not sipping it throughout the day, exposing your teeth to the slightly greater degree of acid it contains over and over again.

Brands of sparkling water with added sugar are no longer termed sparkling water. They’re a sugar-sweetened beverage that can increase your chances of getting cavities. So, whether sparkling or not, remember that plain water is always the best option.