Is Sparkling Water Bad For Your Teeth?

Many people like sparkling water. Sparkling water is healthier than sugary drinks, so many people are switching. It tastes well, hydrates well, and seems like the ultimate weight-loss drink.

There is one question that comes up a lot, though: Is sparkling water bad for your teeth? Come with us as we look more closely at this fizzy drink and how it might cause teeth enamel erosion!

What Is Sparkling Water?

Let’s talk about sparkling water and how it affects your teeth. Carbonated drinks with carbon dioxide gas under pressure are sparkling. It causes bubbles and a slightly sour flavor in water. Its forms include:

• Seltzer Water is carbonated water that doesn’t have any extra chemicals added to it.
• Flavored sparkling water is naturally flavored with things like lemon or berry, with no extra sugar added.
• Tonic water is carbonated water that has quinine and sweeteners added to it. It is often used in drinks.
• Club soda has a particular flavor due to minerals, including sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate.

The Acidity Factor

Why all the fuss? Acidity is the major issue with sparkling water and tooth health. Water reacts with carbon dioxide to make carbonic acid. This acid makes sparkling water sour. As sparkling water is acidic, it will cause tooth enamel erosion.

Acids can damage tooth enamel, and when it’s gone, your teeth are more likely to get cavities and disease. The real question, though, is whether or not sparkling water is bad for your teeth. How acidic is it?

Sparkling water is a little acidic, but not nearly as much as fruit juices, energy drinks, or drinks with a lot of sugar. Plain water has a pH of about 5 to 6. Anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is basic.

Sparkling water is more like a banana or cucumber in terms of how acidic it is than a soda. Even though it’s not completely balanced, it’s still much better than other drinks. But watch out for spiced sparkling water.

A lot of these have acids (like citric acid) added to them to make them taste better, which can make the drink more acidic. For example, sparkling water that tastes like lime might have a lower pH and be worse for your teeth than plain fizzy water.

What Do The Studies Say?

Several studies have looked into how sparkling water changes tooth enamel. For people who like sparkling water, most of the results are good. Most studies show that even though sparkling water is slightly acidic, it doesn’t hurt tooth enamel as much as sugary drinks do.

In fact, the acids in fizzy water are not nearly as strong as the acids in fruit juices or soft drinks. For example, a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that regular sparkling water didn’t hurt tooth enamel as much as soda did. You’re fine as long as you drink plain or lightly flavored sparkling water.

Safe Ways to Enjoy Sparkling Water

So, is it okay to drink fizzy water all day? Not accurately. In comparison to sweet or acidic beverages, sparkling water is less abrasive on dental enamel. To ensure their well-being, you may undertake the following measures:

• Have It With Food
  Consuming carbonated water during meals helps neutralize the tongue’s acidity. Food and saliva that you make while you eat can also neutralize the effects of the carbonic acid, making enamel loss less likely.
• Put A Straw In It
  Drinking with a straw prevents bubbly water from hitting your teeth, which is helpful if you’re drinking acidic colored drinks.
• Avoid Drinking All-Day
  Over time, acidic drinks, especially sparkling water, can wear away enamel. Try not to sip sparkling water all day long. Instead, drink it at certain times.
• Use Plain Water To Rinse
  Throw out the soda water and rinse your mouth with regular water. Any acid that is still on your teeth will be washed off, and it won’t stay there.
• Take Care Of Oral Hygiene
  Use fluoride toothpaste and floss every day and brush your teeth twice a day. Remember to check your teeth every so often!

You can still drink your favorite soda. Sparkling water is better for you than sugary drinks, and it won’t hurt your teeth. Balance is important in life in general. You can have a glass of sparkling water every once in a while if you watch how much you drink and brush your teeth.

Final Thoughts

Is sparkling water bad for teeth? The answer is “Not really.” Not all sugary drinks and juices are bad for your teeth. Use it sparingly, and brush and floss daily. That should keep your teeth healthy. Soda drinking does not cause tooth enamel erosion!