Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?

Delightful, thirst-quenching, and zero calories—sparkling water looks like the best substitute for sugary pop. But along with its rise in fame, a lot of people are all asking the same thing: Is sparkling water bad for your teeth? The breakdown of the science behind the fizz, how it affects enamel, and what you can do to still have a shining smile is beyond this question.

What Makes Sparkling Water Different?

Carbonated water or sparkling water is a liquid that is decorated with bubbles of carbon dioxide gas under pressure, giving the product its specific bubbles. The reaction of the gas with water is the formation of carbonic acid, which causes the slightly sour taste of the sparkling water. The acid may reduce the pH in the mouth even if there is no sugar added, in comparison with still water.

But it is a fact that sparkling water is still a little less detrimental to the teeth than soda or juice, though the acidic nature can still be a problem for the enamel if a person drinks it in large quantities.

How Does Sparkling Water Affect Your Teeth?

Enamel is the hard protective outer shell of a tooth and it is very sensitive to acids. When you drink sparkling water:

• Carbon dioxide in the water can cause the acid to initiate the process of softening the enamel surface.
• If repeated without proper oral hygiene, the enamel can become weak in the course of time.
• The weakened enamel can make the teeth sensitive and also lead to the formation of cavities.

It is worth pointing out that pure sparkling water is much less harmful to tooth enamel than sugary or citrus-flavored carbonated beverages.

Is Flavored Sparkling Water Worse?

Can the sparkling water that is flavored or sweetened be worse for the teeth? This is the reason:

• Some brands add citric acid, natural flavors, or fruit extracts to acidify the product.
• Even if one claims to be “sugar-free,” it might contain some artificially sweetened sparkling water with some hidden acids that prolong the time of acid exposure on the teeth.
• Compared to unflavored sparkling water, these removals can cause the erosion of the enamel to increase.

The people consuming flavored sparkling water have a higher probability of suffering from dental wear and caries than those who have only drunk still or plain sparkling water.

Tips to Minimize the Impact on Your Teeth

You don’t have to give up your favorite fizzy drink entirely. Protect your teeth and enjoy your sparkle at the same time by following these simple steps:

• Drinking sparkling water with meals leads to more saliva flow which in turn helps to neutralize acids.
• Do not sip it slowly and leisurely over hours as this makes the acid exposure time of your teeth longer.
• When you use a straw, the liquid that is going to be in contact with your teeth is minimal.
• Do not rinse your mouth with water after consuming sparkling water.
• At least 30 minutes after acid exposure, brushing should be done; thus, if you brush right after, the enamel surface that has been softened will be further damaged.

And the most important thing is to have a good quality oral hygiene environment, which includes brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and going regularly to the dentist.

Final Thoughts: Should You Stop Drinking Sparkling Water?

Is sparkling water the cause of dental problems? Not really—but the main thing is to keep a balance. Naturally, sparkling water is the least guilty one with respect to other sugary or flavored carbonated beverages. So, if you are a fan of sparkling water, you are advised to take the unflavored one, rinse your mouth after drinking with water, and keep your oral hygiene routine.

Moreover, those who are willing to renew their enamel or notice only the first signs of its damage can refer to the treatment and personalized care plans provided by Lema Dental Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey. Our specialists, from preventive to a complete smile makeover, are available to you and allow you to enjoy a healthy oral condition without making any sacrifices.

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