Is Sparkling Water Bad for your teeth?

When water starts to feel mundane, many people turn to sparkling water to add bubbly to their lives. Drinking sugar-free sparkling water is an excellent alternative to sodas and other sugary drinks, but is sparkling water bad for your teeth? Continue reading to find out if you should cut out sparkling water from your diet!

Does Sparkling Water cause tooth decay?

Acidic foods and drinks may cause dental erosion on tooth enamel, which is the protective outer layer of teeth. Once tooth enamel is damaged, unfortunately, there is no way of getting it back. Less tooth enamel can lead to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and loss of tooth structure risking a tooth extraction.

The pH level of a drink is what determines whether it can cause enamel erosion. Beverages with a pH level of 3.0 to 3.99 are erosive, and drinks with a pH above 4.0 are minimally erosive. Sparkling waters without additional flavorings or sugar are ranked above a pH level of 4.0, making them minimally erosive.

Back to the question: does sparkling water cause tooth decay? There isn’t any evidence to show sparkling water is bad for your teeth, but regular, fluoridated water should always be the #1 choice for hydration. When drinking sparkling water, be sure to grab one without any additional flavors or sugars. Adding flavors and sugars turns water into a sugar-sweetened beverage, and those are not recommended for healthy teeth.

Tips on protecting your teeth if you drink Sparkling Water

• Do not brush your teeth immediately after: The acidity in the sparkling water softens up teeth, making them sensitive to abrasion. Waiting 30 minutes to brush will decrease further damage. Read this blog on how to brush your teeth and the best kind of toothbrush to use.
• Do not drink if you’re dehydrated: Make sure you’re hydrated before drinking carbonated drinks because saliva helps neutralized acid.
• Do not drink before you go to sleep: The longer the acidity from the sparkling water stays on your teeth, the more damage it may cause.
• Use a straw: Using a straw will help keep the water from contacting your teeth because the straw is positioned to the back of the mouth.
• Rinse your mouth: Rinsing with plain water will help wash away the acid.
• Drink with a meal: Pairing your sparkling water with food will help break down the acid.
• Regular dental cleanings: Scheduling regular dental cleanings with your dentist helps protect your teeth and ensure your smile looks it’s best.