Dentist reveals why you should avoid sparkling water to maintain your oral health

Many might be aware that candy and fizzy drinks are something to avoid if you want good teeth and oral health. However, other common food items can disrupt the barrier of our teeth or even contribute to odor and oral health problems. Dr. Cerisa Moncayo, dental surgeon and member of the American Dental Association, pointed out that even a regular mixer like sparkling water can have effects on one’s dental health, per Yahoo News. The expert shared an insight on why the components of sparkling water are harmful and how they can affect health. 

Many people consume sparkling water as a drink on its own or as a mixer in other beverages. Some even consider the drink to be similar to that of water or just better. However, the dentist noted that sparkling water is not the same as regular water and you might not want to be consistently consuming it. The primary health concern with the beverage is that it is carbonated and ultimately, anything carbonated is not the best option for teeth. “The carbonation in seltzer water 100% has effects on dental health. The primary effect is its demineralization of enamel. Anything carbonated gets its fizziness from carbonic acid which quite literally erodes enamel away,” Dr. Moncayo explained.

All of this has to do with basic science. The dentist noted that carbonic acid or any acidic ingredient or food item messes with the pH level of the mouth. “It's like our mouth becomes a cup of acid, slowly dissolving our enamel away,” she remarked. Getting into the numbers, regular water is said to have a pH level of 7 which is neutral in nature. Sparkling water, however, is at 5, making it an acidic component. Other sugary sodas are noted to be at 2.5 on the pH scale, making them even more acidic than the latter. Because sparkling water is still acidic, it can affect dental health. 

Anything less than 5.5 on the pH scale that goes into our mouth causes an erosion of the enamel, per Amato Dental Group. "Enamel is our tooth's outermost, protective structure. When tooth enamel is compromised, it leads to a host of dental issues, like tooth decay (cavities), weakened teeth, or sensitivity,” Dr. Moncayo pointed out. If not complete erosion, the drink can also cause softening of the barrier, which, in time, can be disrupted while brushing or due to teeth grinding. She even highlighted that flavored sparkling water is even more harmful. The ingredients are not well regulated and can contribute to an acid attack on the enamel.” So, shockingly, even a splash of lemon for the refreshing feeling is adding to the pH level of the sparkling water. 

It is not compulsory to completely discontinue or avoid the drink. Dr. Moncayo suggested, "Swish flat water in between seltzers to neutralize the pH and protect from stains." She added that one can simply minimize the effect of the acidic components on the enamel by using a straw and reducing the contact time with the teeth. Lastly, the dentist urged, “Read the label. Sugars, sugar alcohols, and flavoring can cause extra damage. When it comes to ingredients, less is more.”