Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth? Effects on Enamel Explained
Sparkling water has increasingly been seen as a healthy alternative to sodas because it contains no calories and added sugar, but the question that remains is whether the carbonation process can affect the health of one’s teeth.
While sparkling water can be a better choice than sweet beverages, it is still a bit acidic and might have an impact on your tooth enamel, based on the way you drink it. This article will explain how sparkling water impacts your teeth, what the differences between sparkling water and soda are, and when this issue becomes a problem.
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What is Sparkling Water and How Is It Made?
Sparkling water is just water that is made fizzy. According to Medical News Today, the drink is simply a product of CO2 gas being dissolved in water. There are basically two kinds of carbonation of water; natural and artificial.
Healthline states that, unlike regular water, carbonated water is more acidic due to the carbonic acid created during the carbonation process. Moreover, this bubbly drink is considered a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. However, when it is mixed with flavorings, it can still potentially harm your teeth.
Can Sparkling Water Actually Damage Tooth Enamel?
While it is true that sparkling water is more acidic compared to ordinary water, it does not automatically follow that sparkling water is detrimental to the teeth. Research has shown that sparkling water is far less damaging to the tooth enamel than sweetened soft drinks since it has very low carbonic acid content without any sugar.
The danger lies in how often one indulges in drinking it, especially when it is flavored and has additional sugars and acids. Basically, the impact of sparkling water on enamel depends on its acidity, ingredients, and how often it is consumed.
If you're curious about how repeated acid exposure affects your teeth, read our guide: How Acidic Foods and Drinks Damage Tooth Enamel
Sparkling Water vs Soda: Which is Worse for Your Teeth?
In most cases, when one thinks about fizzy beverages, soda is the first beverage that comes to mind. The comparison between sparkling water and soda will shed some light on how some fizzy drinks damage your teeth.
The acidity of a drink can be measured through its pH level, which ranges from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline). According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, the pH level of sodas is between 2.34 to 5.24 whereas sparkling waters' pH levels are between 4.96 to 5.25.
Although some sparkling waters may have similar pH levels to soda, most sodas pose a bigger problem because they contain added sugars and stronger acids. Plain sparkling water is generally a better option for your teeth when consumed in moderation.
Common Risks of Drinking Sparkling Water Too Often
Even though carbonated water can be helpful for hydration and may substitute sugar-sweetened beverages, it should not be ignored that the drink could potentially affect your teeth.
Common risks include:
- Enamel erosion: The constant exposure to acids might eventually result in erosion of the tooth enamel.
- Tooth sensitivity: The erosion of tooth enamel might lead to increased sensitivity of teeth to temperature changes and sugar intake.
- Bloating and belching: Carbonation may lead to bloating and belching in certain people.
- Increased acids and sugar content: Sparkling water with added flavors, containing acids or sugar, is likely to cause enamel erosion and cavities.
How to Drink Sparkling Water Without Affecting Your Teeth
The key is to consume sparkling water in moderation and opt for unflavored ones whenever possible. The reason behind this is that flavored sparkling waters containing sugar or acid can be a cause of erosion of enamel.
In addition to this, consumption of sparkling water during meals will decrease the duration for which it will stay in your mouth. You can even drink regular water after consuming it to clean out your mouth. Drinking water helps you stay hydrated and produces enough saliva to keep your mouth healthy.
Wondering how not drinking enough water can affect your oral health? Read our guide: Can Dehydration Make Bad Breath Worse Than You Think?
Protect Your Enamel With Better Oral Care Habits
As you make better choices to improve your teeth, including a Cleaning + Whitening Foam in your dental care routine will be a great way to help achieve this goal.
Our Cleaning + Whitening Foam is a 2-in-1 product made to help improve your dental care routine and keep your breath fresh when enjoying your beverages.
Keep your smile fresh and clean with ClearClub today!
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is sparkling water bad for your teeth every day?
According to the American Dental Association, plain sparkling water is generally a better choice for your teeth than sugary soft drinks. The only thing that would make it harmful is if it’s consumed in excessive amounts or frequently drunk throughout the day.
❓ Does flavored sparkling water damage your teeth?
Some flavored sparkling water varieties may increase the likelihood of enamel erosion depending on their ingredients and acidity levels. Pay attention to ingredients like citrus, acidic, or sugary flavorings as they can be an issue when consumed excessively.
❓ Can sparkling water cause cavities?
Plain sparkling water is less likely to contribute to cavities because it does not contain sugar, which cavity-causing bacteria use to produce enamel-damaging acids.
Looking for something else? Check our full FAQs section.