Sparkling water is referred to as fizzy water, seltzer, soda water, seltzer water, club soda, mineral water or carbonated water. Sparkling water is commonly bought in bottled form. However, new products allow people to create carbonated water at home. The fizziness is due to then carbon dioxide infused into the water. Mineral water is sometimes naturally carbonated from the water source, but the bottling company also adds carbon dioxide.
Can Sparkling Water Affect Your Teeth?
Many people do not think of carbonated water as being damaging to teeth. After all, this type of water does not taste sweet and does not contain added sugars.
When carbonated water enters the mouth, a chemical reaction occurs that changes the carbon dioxide to carbonic acid. The chemical reaction is responsible for the refreshing and zingy taste. However, the reaction makes the water more acidic in the mouth. An acidic environment or consuming acidic beverages increases the risk of developing cavities. The acidic nature of certain drinks and foods leads to thinning of the tooth’s enamel surface. This thinning of the enamel is referred to as dental erosion or acid wear. Thinner enamel is weaker enamel. Drinks like orange juice, cranberry juice, coffee, wine, and tea are all more acidic than sparkling water.
Drinking sparkling water infrequently will probably not have a significant impact on your teeth. However, drinking it daily or multiple times a day affects teeth. Swishing water around in your mouth increases the amount of acid exposure that teeth are exposed to. Adding a slice of lime or lemon to your water increases the acidity level as well.
How Can You Protect Your Teeth?
The best way to protect your teeth is by avoiding sparkling water altogether. However, if you cannot tolerate giving up sparkling water, follow these tips.
- Always drink carbonated water through a drinking straw. The straw allows the acidic beverage to bypass most or all of the teeth to reduce acid exposure.
- Swish plain water around your mouth after drinking an acidic beverage to flush away acid residue from teeth.
- Use toothpaste that specializes in hardening the tooth’s enamel to protect it from acid wear.
Keep your teeth protected by always using a straw when drinking acidic beverages. If you have no straw, rinse your mouth with plain water after having acidic drinks. The best way to keep teeth healthy is through prevention. If you notice your enamel thinning, talk to your dentist.
About Dr. Joseph Salvaggio
Located in Brampton, Ontario Dr. Joseph Salvaggio has been practicing general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry for over 20 years. He enjoys interacting with his patients and helping to restore their oral health for better overall health as well. Meeting new patients, interacting and educating them is one of Dr. Salvaggio’s biggest joys. We encourage you to read our reviews or call us with any dental questions you have. We look forward to speaking with you and meeting you soon.