There’s nothing quite like a gulp of sparkling water to quench a sophisticated thirst. Yet so many people drink glass upon glass without asking one important question: is that fizz that you’re after going to have a negative effect on your teeth?
Carbonated drinks such as seltzer, soda and even sparkling water have higher acidity levels than flat drinks. There has been some concern about whether or not that raised acidity can weaken your tooth enamel. That hard outer shell of your teeth is at risk of accruing cavities if the enamel isn’t strong enough.
Fortunately, we at Willow Lake Dental are here to answer this popular question and give you suggestions on how to continue enjoying your favorite drink without harming those pearly whites!
Does Sparkling Water Actually Affect Your Teeth?
To figure out the answer to this question, we looked at a test involving teeth that were removed as part of a treatment and donated to research. In this study, lab researchers tested to see if sparkling water degraded enamel more aggressively than standard lab water. The conclusion? The two types of water had roughly the same effects on teeth, meaning that even though sparkling water is still slightly more acidic, it is functionally the same as water as far as the safety of your enamel is concerned.
Tips to Enjoy Sparkling Water While Protecting Your Smile
When it comes to which is better for your teeth, sparkling water is always a healthier drink choice than sugary beverages. Even so, regular fluoridated water is the best drink for your teeth, so make sure to drink plenty of it. Water containing fluoride naturally:
- fights off cavities
- washes away leftover food that bacteria feast on
- keeps your mouth from becoming dry (a dry mouth has a higher chance of contracting cavities)
You should also keep an eye out for what’s in your sparkling water aside from just bubbles. Citrus flavored waters usually have higher acid levels, and that does increase the risk of enamel damage. Instead of sipping these types of drinks throughout the day and exposing yourself to that risk constantly, you could drink citrus flavored sparkling waters in one sitting or at meals to minimize potential damage.
Finally, sparkling water brands that add sugar to their drinks aren’t truly sparkling waters anymore. They become sugar sweetened beverages which contributes to the odds of you ending up with cavities. If you find yourself unsure of whether or not your drink of choice is bad for your teeth, just remember that nothing is better for you or more reliable than good old plain water!
We know that these tips can be easy to look past, so if you’re ever concerned with your diet’s impact on your teeth, make sure to call up or contact us (Willow Lake Dental) for more information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your smile.