Will Sparkling Water Affect Your Sparkling Smile?
It’s no secret that soda pop is bad for you: sugar isn’t good for our teeth, our waistlines, or our health.
So many folks replace soda with sugar-free flavored sparkling beverages to get the same excitement on the tongue without all the sugar. It seems harmless enough — it’s just carbonated water with some flavor, right?
Well, if drinking flavored sparkling beverages has become your daily habit, there are some things you need to know.
If you’re wondering, “Is sparkling water bad for your teeth,” keep reading to find out.
Table of Contents
- Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?
- How Does Carbonated Water Affect Your Teeth?
- 5 Tips for Minimizing the Impact of Sparkling Water on Dental Health
- Maintain a Sparkling and Fresh Smile With the Help of Mint Dental Works
Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?
You may not realize it, but dental professionals have debated this topic for years.
So, is sparkling water bad for your teeth?
That fun fizz comes from infusing the drink with carbon dioxide, which makes carbonic acid.
As acids go, carbonic acid is relatively mild, so drinking unflavored sparkling water like plain mineral water isn’t much of an issue. The main concern with sparkling water is the added flavorings — especially those that rely on citric or other acids to enhance their taste — like lemon, lime, and grapefruit. These added acids can raise the pH levels in your mouth and affect your teeth.
You may know that tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be eroded. When acids damage the enamel, it may lead to:
- Tooth discoloration resulting in a yellow tint
- Rough edges that can eventually lead to chips and fractures
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods, or even tooth brushing
- Increased risk for cavities
How Does Carbonated Water Affect Your Teeth?
According to the National Institute of Health, beverages with a low pH are generally more acidic and may erode tooth enamel if consumed often and in large quantities. Fluoridated tap water has a neutral pH of 7. Coffee without anything added has a pH level of 5. Lemon juice is highly acidic, with a pH level of 2.
Experts suggest that any beverage with a pH lower than four may lead to enamel erosion and tooth damage over time.
Most plain sparkling waters have a pH of around five or higher, so they have less impact on teeth. However, if flavor is added, it becomes more acidic. Lemon-flavored sparkling water has a pH level of around three, which means it may potentially erode enamel and damage teeth.
Whether the beverage is hot or cold may also affect the pH of sparkling water. This is because temperature can affect the dissociation of water molecules.
Research further shows that the longer a drink is in your mouth, the more acidic it becomes. This means that if you’re sipping on flavored sparkling beverages throughout the day, you’re slowly washing your teeth in these acids. Over time, this may compound and lead to enamel erosion and expose teeth to tooth decay.
pH Levels of Different Sparkling Waters by Brand
Do you regularly drink sparkling water? Check out this chart to see if your brand of choice may be potentially harming your dental health.
| pH tests | ||||
| Water Brand | Warm, carbonated pH | Cold, carbonated pH | Warm, decarbonated pH | Cold, decarbonated pH |
| Sensations (Lemon) | 5.52 | 4.6 | 6.33 | 5.67 |
| Saint-Justin | 5.75 | 4.66 | 5.95 | 5.56 |
| Badoit | 5.88 | 5.12 | 6.27 | 5.46 |
| Gerolsteiner | 5.82 | 5.2 | 6.35 | 5.89 |
| Nestle (Pure Life) | 5.13 | 4.45 | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| Club Soda | 4.4 | 3.69 | 4.99 | 4.77 |
| Perrier | 5.25 | 4.68 | 6.03 | 5.11 |
| San Pellegrino | 5.34 | 4.28 | 6.85 | 5.6 |
| Eska (Lemon) | 4.95 | 4.05 | 5.43 | 5.63 |
Mint Dental Works prioritizes patient health above all else. We make it standard practice to educate patients to support dental-friendly lifestyles. Learn more about how to become one of our patients here.
5 Tips for Minimizing the Impact of Sparkling Water on Dental Health
A recent AskYourTargetMarket survey suggests that around 13% of Americans drink sparkling water regularly.
For many, sparkling water is an attractive alternative to soda, which is estimated to be 100 times more corrosive than other carbonated beverages. If you often drink sparkling water, you may wonder how to minimize its impact on your dental health.
At Mint Dental Works, we are dedicated to providing expert care and consultation for all our patients. If you’re going to drink sparkling water, remember these tips.
#1: Rinse Your Mouth After Drinking
Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming carbonated beverages may help remove some carbonic acid. You can also try swishing your mouth with still water between drinks to neutralize the pH and decrease the risk of enamel erosion.
#2: Use a Straw
Using a straw minimizes contact with your teeth and the sparkling water. By lowering the frequency of exposure, you should be able to continue enjoying your sparkling water without worrying about enamel erosion.
#3: Read the Label
Conscious consumerism may help preserve your dental health!
Avoid these ingredients when shopping with your smile in mind:
- Citric acid
- Malic acid
- Phosphoric acid
Sugar content may also increase your beverage’s pH and enamel erosion. Try to avoid drinks with high sugar content.
#4: Consume in Moderation
Drinking sparkling water can be a nice way to treat yourself every once in a while, as long as you maintain good oral hygiene and do not overdo it.
If you can, drink your sparkling water with a meal and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing so your enamel isn’t softened.
#5: Schedule Regular Check-Ups With Your Dentist
Studies associate regular trips to the dentist with:
- Fewer cavities
- Fewer missing teeth
- Decreased risk of tooth decay
- Better oral health-related quality of life
To ensure good dental health, visit your preferred dentist at least twice a year.
Are you looking for a nonjudgmental, inclusive, and experienced dental office in Portland? Mint Dental Works is a popular SE Portland dental office specializing in dentistry for all ages.
Maintain a Sparkling and Fresh Smile With the Help of Mint Dental Works
Your dental health is paramount to your overall well-being. To fully care for your teeth and maintain oral hygiene, you’ll want to have the best dental health professionals supporting you.
We strive to do everything possible to make our patients feel comfortable visiting us. At Mint Dental Works, our highly skilled professionals employ advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology to maintain and improve our patients’ dental health. Our practice has cultivated a culture of sensitivity and care in an environment that welcomes all.
Learn more about us or schedule your first appointment today.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.