The Truth About Sparkling Water and Your Teeth

Everyone knows that sugary drinks and sodas are bad for teeth. Therefore, a lot of people in St. Paul are making the switch to sparkling water. You might also enjoy fizzy drinks like La Croix or homemade sparkling water. These drinks provide a fun alternative to water to stay hydrated, but have you thought about how they affect your teeth?

Sparkling water contains carbonation, which creates a weak acid called carbonic acid. Acids can wear down the enamel of your teeth, regardless of where it comes from. Now, how much your teeth are damaged because of sparkling water depends on how often you drink it. Further, it also depends on the type of sparkling water you choose and your dental care routine. 

Do not worry! You do not need to stop drinking your sparkling water right away. Instead, speak to your St. Paul, MN dentist. They can assess your current oral condition and give you advice on whether your bubbly drink habit is safe. 

How sparkling water works 

You like how sparkling water tastes, but have you ever considered how it gets its fizzy and slightly tangy taste? Carbon dioxide gas is mixed with water, and then it forms a weak acid called carbonic acid. This carbonic acid is the reason for its taste. 

First, all kinds of acidic drinks, including sparkling water, can affect your teeth, particularly the enamel. However, it is important to note that sparkling water is much less harmful than many other drinks. 

Studies show that unflavored sparkling waters like S. Pellegrino and Perrier have a pH level above 4. This means they are not as acidic as sodas or fruit juices, which can cause more damage to your teeth.

How much does sparkling water really affect your teeth?

You might worry that sparkling water could damage your teeth, but research shows that plain sparkling water is usually safe. In fact, there is a study that has found that regular and sparkling water both affect the teeth the same. 

However, not all sparkling waters are the same. If the drink has added flavors, especially citrus ones, it can be more harmful. This is because citrus-flavored sparkling water has citric acid. It lowers the pH level of the drink and makes it more acidic. 

For example, plain Dasani water has a pH of 5.03, but Dasani Lemon water has a much lower pH of 3.03. Drinks with a lower pH are more likely to harm your tooth enamel.

How carbonated water affects your teeth 

Plain carbonated water is generally safe for your teeth. However, the amount of carbonation makes the difference. If you use a home carbonation system like SodaStream, it might produce water with a lower pH level. Therefore, it will have a slightly more acidic nature than store-bought sparkling water. 

Further, how often you drink also makes a huge difference. If you drink sparkling water like regular water, your mouth will stay acidic for a long time. This increases your risk of damaging your enamel. However, even though there is a risk, it is much safer than the risk from sugary sodas or sports drinks. 

How to enjoy sparkling water safely 

It is possible to keep enjoying your favorite drink without damaging your teeth. Here are tips you can follow:

• Drink sparkling water accompanied by meals. Your mouth will produce more saliva and help neutralize the acid. 
• Choose plain sparkling water over flavored ones as they are less acidic. 
• Use a straw to drink it instead of sipping on it. The less contact the drink has with your teeth, the better the protection. 

Learn more about sparkling water and protect your teeth!

If you think sparkling water is harmless for your teeth, you might be wrong. Schedule a dental checkup in St. Paul, MN, today to enjoy your drinks responsibly!