Sparkling water is becoming a trendy alternative to sugary sodas and other sweetened beverages. It is calorie free, plain, and refreshing and can make drinking water more enjoyable. But, because sparkling water is carbonated, many people ask whether it’s bad for their teeth. Does the fizz harm enamel, or is sparkling water a safe bet for your daily hydration? A lot really depends on the type of sparkling water you’re drinking and how often you’re drinking it.
Why does sparkling water taste sour?
Carbon dioxide is what gives sparkling water its bubbles. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to produce a little carbonic acid. This makes carbonated water a little more acidic than regular, still water.
The important thing is that plain sparkling water is very different to sugary soft drinks. Sparkling water does lower the pH of the water, but typically it does not contain the sugars and other acids that are often found in sodas, energy drinks and fruit-flavored drinks. Sugar is especially significant because the oral bacteria can utilize it to produce acids that lead to tooth decay.
Is Sparkling Water Bad For Your Teeth?
Tooth enamel is the hard outer shell that protects your teeth. Regular or prolonged exposure to acidic beverages can help erode enamel.
Because sparkling water is slightly acidic, it could potentially cause some enamel erosion. Plain, unflavored sparkling water is generally considered to be far less of a problem for teeth, however, than acidic soft drinks and other sugary drinks.
The risk can also depend on the product itself. Other acids may be added to flavored sparkling waters, such as citric acid, which may increase the erosive potential. So if you’re drinking the flavored varieties regularly, it can be helpful to check the ingredient list.
Sparkling Water And Tooth Enamel: What’s The Deal?
There is a big difference between tooth erosion and tooth decay. Erosion is when acids eat away at the enamel on your teeth. The bacteria produce acids when they metabolize the fermentable carbohydrates. A group of fermentable carbohydrates are the sugars. Decay of teeth is the decay of teeth.
Plain sparkling water contains no sugar and so doesn’t provide decay-causing bacteria with the same fuel as sugary soda. So, swapping out sugary drinks for plain sparkling water may actually be a good choice for your dental health.
But sparkling water can’t be seen as a substitute for good oral hygiene. But you still need to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth and see the dentist regularly.
Does Flavored Sparkling Water Matter?
Not all sparkling waters are created equal. Some products contain natural or artificial flavorings, fruit juices, sweeteners or added acids. While a flavored sparkling water is still probably a better choice than a sugary soda, the acidity may be higher than plain carbonated water.
If you’re concerned about protecting your enamel, plain sparkling water is usually the easiest choice. If you like flavored versions, pick products that don’t have added sugar and don’t sip them all day.
It Matters How You Drink It
The frequency and duration of exposure can influence how long your teeth are exposed to an acidic environment. If you drink sparkling water slowly over several hours you may be exposing your teeth to acidity longer than if you drink it with a meal.
Don’t sip carbonated drinks all day long. Drink them with meals or in a shorter time. You could also try drinking with a straw so that the liquid bypasses the front surfaces of your teeth but you can’t entirely avoid exposure.
Easy Ways to Protect Your Teeth
You don’t have to give up sparkling water to protect your smile. Reduce potential risks by adopting a few simple habits.
Where possible, opt for plain sparkling water over sugary or highly acidic alternatives. After drinking it , you can rinse your mouth with just plain water . Avoid brushing your teeth right after consuming an acidic beverage, because the enamel can be temporarily more susceptible to mechanical abrasion. Don’t brush for a bit. Let saliva help the mouth return to normal.
The most important thing is to keep up with a regular oral-care routine and be aware of any signs of sensitivity or wearing of the enamel.
Is Sparkling Water Better For You Than Soda?
“Plain sparkling water is a far better choice for most people’s teeth than a sugary soda. Soda is typically acidic and contains a lot of sugar, which can lead to tooth decay and acid exposure to the enamel.
Thus, swapping out soda for unsweetened sparkling water may be a practical way to cut down on sugar intake and help improve overall oral health.
The Final Word
And plain sparkling water isn’t totally neutral for your teeth: Carbonation creates carbonic acid. However, it is generally much less damaging to dental health than sugary and highly acidic drinks. The biggest concern is drinking flavored acidic or sweetened sparkling drinks regularly.
If you like sparkling water, there’s generally no reason to cut it out of your diet. Choose unsweetened varieties, don’t sip through the day, drink regular water and maintain good oral hygiene. If you already have sensitive teeth, enamel erosion or other dental concerns, a dentist can help you with personalized advice.
To summarize, the enemy is not necessarily the bubbles themselves. Plain sparkling water is a refreshing, tooth-friendly alternative to sugary drinks if consumed in moderation.
