Carbonated water is a little more popular over in Europe than it is in America, but more and more people are reaching for sparkling water in lieu of plain old tap water. You might think that water is water, and that they are all the same when it comes to your oral health, but is that true? We put that theory to the test by looking at the effects of sparkling water on your teeth in today’s blog.
Does Carbonated Water Affect Your Teeth?
Even though it’s water, any drink with carbonation has a higher acid concentration. Does this mean sparking water can wear down your protective tooth enamel? According to recent research, dental professionals seem to believe that the differences between sparkling water and regular water on your teeth are minimal.
For their study, researchers used teeth that were donated to science and compared their composition after having been exposed to regular water and sparkling water. They found that although sparkling water has a higher acid level, the effects on tooth enamel were essentially the same.
Things to Keep in Mind
With that said, you should still keep some things in mind when it comes to choosing beverage options like sparkling water.
- Sparkling water is definitely better for your teeth than sugary sodas, but also make sure to get plenty of regular water as well. Regular water contains fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities and keep your mouth from becoming dry.
- Avoid sparkling water that is overly citrusy. These drinks often have elevated acid levels which can impact your tooth enamel. They are fine on occasion or with meals, but try to avoid sipping on them throughout the workday or more than once a day.
- Keep an eye on added sugar. Some companies tout their beverage as sparkling water, even though it has added sugars and is carbonated. Don’t be fooled by the name – these can be just as bad as regular sodas. Go for regular water, but if you’re craving a sparkling water, be sure that it has no added sugars.
At the end of the day, sparkling sodas are far from the worst beverage option for your teeth, but that doesn’t mean it should always replace regular water when you’re thirsty. If you’re going to have one, have it with a meal and don’t slowly sip on it throughout the day. And no matter what beverages you drink, always be sure to brush your teeth in the morning and at night.
For more information about sparkling water or any other beverages and your teeth, reach out to Dr. Brooks today.