When ordinary water is too flat to enjoy, some of us turn to the sparkling variety. OK, let's be honest: Some of us guzzle it all day. Show
So it's worrisome to see headlines warning about the possible damage sparkling water could inflict on your teeth.  With no sugar or any other ingredients, why would this clear bubbly beverage pose any issues? We asked Dr. Gene Romo, a Chicago dentist and consumer adviser for the American Dental Association; and Dr. André Ritter, chair of the department of operative dentistry at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. What’s the potential problem?Carbonated water gets its fizz from carbon dioxide. A chemical reaction in your mouth turns the CO2 into carbonic acid, not only giving the drink a tangy, zesty, refreshing bite, but also making it more acidic. That’s where the potential for dental erosion comes in, because the acid in drinks and foods can wear away your tooth enamel. Sparkling water is far less acidic than orange juice or a soft drink, but it’s more acidic than plain water, Romo said. Related: Diet soda is doing these 7 awful things to your body That could be an issue if you’re used to frequently reaching for your favorite effervescent water throughout the day. “If you’re sipping and keeping that acidic drink in your mouth and swishing around every time you sip, and if you do this often, multiple times a day, then that’s probably the most dangerous kind of behavior when it comes to tooth wear,” Ritter noted. Beware that if you like to add lime or lemon juice to your fizzy water, it makes it even more acidic. So what’s best to drink from a dental health standpoint?Plain water, Romo said. “If you’re going to sip throughout the day, I would say stick with (still) water,” he noted. “Water is the safest way to go.” To see why, consult a pH scale: the lower the number, the more acidic the substance. Pure water has a pH level of 7. Bottled water — even some of the non-fizzy variety — has a pH level of 5-7; while sodas can be as low as 2, Ritter noted. Isn’t it better to drink sparkling water than sugary soda?Absolutely, both dentists said. Especially if you like to drink mineral water, which has a high mineral content and contains things like calcium phosphate, Ritter said. That can actually offset some of the potential damage caused by the low pH. What are the warning signs of enamel erosion?They include tooth sensitivity to cold or hot foods. You may also see your teeth become more yellow or darker because as the white, shiny enamel wears away, it will expose dentin — the bulky main structure of the tooth. You may also see notches — areas of erosion — at the neck of the tooth. Most people are concerned about cavities and gum disease, so tooth erosion is somewhat of an overlooked condition because it’s a very slow process, but it’s a worrisome problem, Ritter noted. How much sparkling water is OK to drink?“Unfortunately, there’s not a number we can put out there as a good answer because it depends on a number of variables,” Ritter said. “If you’re healthy and if you have normal saliva flow, you’re less vulnerable so your risk is lower… you can possibly drink a little bit more, more often.” Our body is set up to counterbalance any negative effects, with saliva able to neutralize or buffer some of the consequences of the acid. But you may need to be more cautious if you have dry mouth, are taking medications or have an oral imbalance, Ritter advised. Both dentists noted it may be better to drink sparkling water with a meal because you’re stimulating your saliva flow. Bottom line?For best dental health, avoid constantly bathing your teeth in any acidic drink. With that in mind, refrain from sipping sparkling water every few minutes and swishing it in your mouth. Go with plain water whenever possible and definitely skip the sweet soda. “If it’s between a soft drink and sparkling water, then sparkling water is definitely a lot better than a sugary soft drink,” Romo said. Follow A. Pawlowski on Google+ and Twitter. Skip to content
Does Drinking Sparkling Water Damage Your Teeth?As the world we live in gets warmer, hydration for the sake of good health is becoming more important every day. Sales of bottled water and purifying water bottles are at an all-time high, but many people simply don’t like drinking pure, unadulterated water. Sparkling water is a popular solution that comes in various flavors, levels of sweetness, and degrees of carbonation. Currently, multiple sparkling water brands are flooding the market to encourage people to up their fluid intake. Is sparkling water good for you, however, or are you risking your dental health by drinking it? What Makes Water “Sparkling”Carbonated drinks get their effervescence by forcing carbon dioxide into the water at a pressure rating of up to 1,200 pounds per square inch. Once you drink it, the carbon dioxide turns into carbonic acid, which can wear away your tooth enamel. If this happens, it can make teeth more susceptible to cavities, but the fact is the transformation occurs only after the drink enters your system. That means the acid doesn’t come into contact with the teeth under normal circumstances. It’s Not the Sparkle That CountsThe actual carbonation in a beverage doesn’t affect dentition. Research by the American Dental Association showed that teeth soaked in sparkling water showed no difference in erosion compared with teeth soaked in regular water. We still need more research to reach a final conclusion, but the results suggest carbonation doesn’t do any harm. That’s not the case with some types of flavored sparkling water, however. Drinks that contain high amounts of sugar can increase your risk for cavities. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and xylitol can be harmful to your overall health when you drink large quantities. Beverages with lemon or orange flavoring have a higher citric acid content, as can adding a slice of lemon or lime to your sparkling water. Protecting Your TeethSo, if you can’t stand plain water, how can you get the amount of hydration you need while at the same time protecting your teeth? There are a few things you can do, such as:
Good daily hydration habits are essential to your overall health, but saving your natural teeth is also crucial for your wellbeing. Sparkling water is better for your teeth than soda or fruit juice. Pure, filtered still water is even better, but if you really can’t stomach it, take the precautions necessary to protect your teeth while enjoying your drink. It’s still better than not getting enough fluids. Contact Professional Endodontics today for more information on healthy oral habits, or schedule an appointment to discuss your endodontic needs with our qualified, compassionate team. About Professional EndodonticsProfessional Endodontics has been exceeding the standard of care in Wayne and Macomb counties for over 50 years. The team specializes in treating issues with the inside of the tooth and goes out of its way to provide a safe easy environment for patients. Each member of the practice is dedicated to providing excellence in patient care and values high-quality relationships with referring dentists and specialists. Each endodontist at Professional Endodontics has been individually chosen as Hour Detroit Magazine’s Best Dentists. Thanks to contemporary advances in endodontics, Professional Endodontics is able to use innovative technology to treat and save teeth that have suffered damage to the soft tissue within the roots of the tooth. Professional Endodontics offers state-of-the-art facilities in Clarkston, Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores, and Southfield. All locations offer the latest in advanced dental delivery systems, microscopy, and digital radiography. Clarkston Southfield Clinton Township St. Clair Shores Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!Related PostsIs carbonated water bad for your teeth?Seltzer Water Is Acidic And Could Contribute To Decay & Enamel Loss. The short answer is that seltzer water can be a major contributor to enamel loss and tooth decay. This is because when carbon dioxide is pumped into water, it turns into carbonic acid, which reduces the pH of the water and makes it acidic.
What happens if you drink carbonated water every day?No evidence suggests that carbonated or sparkling water is bad for you. It's not that harmful to dental health, and it seems to have no effect on bone health. Interestingly, a carbonated drink may even enhance digestion by improving swallowing ability and reducing constipation.
Do carbonated drinks harm tooth enamel?Cavities: Soft drink consumption is one of several leading causes of tooth decay. Soda is a triple threat to your teeth. Besides weakening tooth enamel, the carbonation, sugar and acids encourage the growth of bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth, which contribute to cavities.
How bad is La Croix for your teeth?Carbonated Water
Although it's considered to be a weak acid, it can stimulate the same nerve receptors in your mouth as condiments like mustard. The pH level of carbonated water is 3-4 which means it can cause the erosion of tooth enamel which will lead to decay.
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