Summer is here, and it is hot! Although an ice-cold glass of soda sounds incredibly refreshing, you quickly are reminded of your last dental visit and decide it’s probably not the best idea. Instead, you reach for a cup of sparkling water. As you take your first sip, you find yourself wondering, “How is this affecting my teeth?” Your dentist in Hackettstown shares whether sparkling water is the better option and how to protect your teeth while drinking it.

So, Is Sparkling Water Bad For My Teeth?

For decades, dentists have warned of the havoc soda can wreak on the enamel of your teeth. While sugar largely contributes to the damage, the carbonation plays an equally as influential role. Therefore, other carbonated drinks (like champagne) can pose an equally harmful risk to the strength of your teeth. However, recent research has found that sparkling water poses no more of a risk to your enamel than regular water! While water with fluoride is still the number one choice, a glass of sparkling water can be a welcomed treat that doesn’t put your teeth a risk for tooth decay, cavities, and other dental damage.

3 Ways to Protect Your Teeth While Drinking Sparkling Water

• Be mindful of the flavors – Although delicious, some flavored sparkling waters have a higher level of acid, which can erode the enamel of your teeth. When possible, stick to unflavored options. However, if you need a little pizzazz in your water, stay away from citrus-flavored options.
• Make sure to read the label – Did you know that 33% of Americans don’t read the labels on their food and drinks? This can allow extra sugar to enter your diet, especially through beverages that aren’t typically known for having any, like sparkling water. Therefore, make sure to pick one that does not have any added sugar!
• Continue to drink regular water as well – In comparison to soda and energy drinks, sparkling water is a far better alternative. However, regular water is still unmatched in being the superior drink of choice. In addition to containing fluoride, it also washes away leftover food particles and prevents your mouth from becoming dry. Therefore, make sure to also sip on regular water throughout the day.

When the summer sun is beating down on you, few things match the refreshing quality of a carbonated beverage. Fortunately, sparkling water can give you the little pick-me-up you want without compromising the enamel on your teeth. That way, you can get the hydration you need to smile your way through summer!

About the Author

After graduating from NYU, College of Dentistry in 2006, Dr. Arindam Kakkar was elected membership into the OMICRON KAPPA UPSILON (a dental honor society). Over the past 15 years, Dr. Kakkar has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education and enjoys performing everything from same-day crowns to oral surgery. If you are looking for a dentist near you that can help keep your teeth in pristine condition, visit his website or give him a call at 908-850-0005.