Sparkling water: chances are, you either love it or you hate it. If you’re one of those people who love it, then let’s take a minute to understand it. What exactly is it? And should we really feel superior when we sip our bubbly beverages? Or is it damaging our teeth, too?

Sparkling water is water that’s been carbonated to create a bubbly, refreshing drink. While it is usually less harmful to teeth than soda and fruit juice, added sugars can undo its benefits. Check the label first to avoid those with added sugars. In addition, always maintain a routine of brushing, flossing, and keeping regular dental appointments to ensure your teeth stay in tip-top shape.

What is sparkling water?

Sparkling water, also known as carbonated water, is water that has been combined with carbon dioxide while under pressure. When this happens, the result is a bubbly, delicious drink. It is  often used in cocktails and other carbonated beverages, including:

• Club soda 
• Soft drinks
• Soda water
• Seltzer water

Sometimes, extra components are added to the water, setting it apart from plain sparkling water. These extra ingredients could be anything from additional minerals or sulfur, as in San Pellegrino, to sugar sweeteners and quinine, as in tonic water. In recent years, there’s been a great preference for flavored waters, and carbonated water is often used in those. Many people simply like to drink it plain.

Does it hurt my teeth to drink it?

To answer that question, we need to go back to the science a little. When combined, water and carbon dioxide experience a chemical reaction resulting in carbonic acid. This is a weak acid that has a similar effect on your mouth as mustard, which many people enjoy. But it also has a slightly higher pH level (3 – 4), making it more acidic than tap water but less than other highly acidic drinks like orange juice. 

The pro of sparkling water is that it’s much better for your teeth than drinks such as orange juice. It’s much worse for your enamel to be doused in citric acid than in sparkling water. In that sense, you’re making the better choice. Sparkling water is usually better for your teeth than:

• Sports drinks
• Diet sodas 
• Fruit juices

However, the con is, sparkling water can still contribute to tooth decay if it contains sugar. You have plenty of delicious sparkling water options to choose from, and so many of them don’t have sugar. Next time you’re at the store buying sparking water, make sure you scan the labels to select the one that doesn’t have any added sugars.

So, is sparkling water good or bad?

So, what’s the verdict? Is sparkling water good or bad? The answer: it depends on your perspective. It’s the better choice in comparison with most other beverage options (except, of course, plain water itself). But drink companies sneak added sugars in there, and you may be harming your teeth without even realizing it. The key is to read the labels and generally opt for the brands without added sugar. It may also help to drink some plain tap water afterward to wash away any acid left on your teeth. This will help you protect your teeth from enamel erosion as well as other side effects of poor oral health.

How to Protect Your Dental Health

            Ultimately, whether or not you choose sparkling water with or without the added sugar, your dental health will suffer if you don’t maintain a proper oral health routine. So in addition to opting for the brands without added sugar, make sure you’re seeing the dentist regularly, brushing for two minutes twice a day, and flossing at least once a day. Those are the most important things you can be doing to keep away decay—far more important than the kind of sparkling water you drink. If you have further questions for us about this subject, or would simply like to schedule your next appointment, please contact our office today!