Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling
water putting you at risk for tooth decay?
Because any drink with carbonation—including
sparkling water—has a higher acid level, some
reports have questioned whether sipping
sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel
(the hard outer shell of your teeth where
cavities first form).
So, Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth?
According to available research, sparkling water is
generally fine for your teeth—and here's why.
In a study using teeth that were removed as
a part of treatment and donated for research,
researchers tested to see whether sparkling
water would attack tooth enamel more
aggressively than regular lab water. The result?
The two forms of water were about the same
in their effects on tooth enamel. This finding
suggests that, even though sparkling water is
slightly more acidic than ordinary water, it's all
just water to your teeth.
Tips for Enjoying Sparkling Water—and
Protecting Your Teeth
1. Sparkling water is far better for your teeth
than sugary drinks. In addition, be sure to drink
plenty of regular, fluoridated water, too—it’s the
best beverage for your teeth. Water with fluoride
naturally helps fight cavities, washes away the
leftover food cavity-causing bacteria feast on and
keeps your mouth from becoming dry (which can
put you at a higher risk of cavities).
2.Be mindful of what’s in your sparkling water.
Citrus-flavored waters often have higher acid
levels that does increase the risk of damage to
your enamel. Plan to enjoy these in one sitting or
with meals. This way, you aren’t sipping it
throughout the day and exposing your teeth over
and over again to the slightly higher level of acid
it contains.
3. Sparkling water brands with added sugar can no
longer be considered just sparkling water. They
are a sugar-sweetened beverage, which can
contribute to your risk of developing cavities.
So remember—sparkling or not—plain water is always
the best choice.
from Mouthhealthy.org
water putting you at risk for tooth decay?
Because any drink with carbonation—including
sparkling water—has a higher acid level, some
reports have questioned whether sipping
sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel
(the hard outer shell of your teeth where
cavities first form).
So, Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth?
According to available research, sparkling water is
generally fine for your teeth—and here's why.
In a study using teeth that were removed as
a part of treatment and donated for research,
researchers tested to see whether sparkling
water would attack tooth enamel more
aggressively than regular lab water. The result?
The two forms of water were about the same
in their effects on tooth enamel. This finding
suggests that, even though sparkling water is
slightly more acidic than ordinary water, it's all
just water to your teeth.
Tips for Enjoying Sparkling Water—and
Protecting Your Teeth
1. Sparkling water is far better for your teeth
than sugary drinks. In addition, be sure to drink
plenty of regular, fluoridated water, too—it’s the
best beverage for your teeth. Water with fluoride
naturally helps fight cavities, washes away the
leftover food cavity-causing bacteria feast on and
keeps your mouth from becoming dry (which can
put you at a higher risk of cavities).
2.Be mindful of what’s in your sparkling water.
Citrus-flavored waters often have higher acid
levels that does increase the risk of damage to
your enamel. Plan to enjoy these in one sitting or
with meals. This way, you aren’t sipping it
throughout the day and exposing your teeth over
and over again to the slightly higher level of acid
it contains.
3. Sparkling water brands with added sugar can no
longer be considered just sparkling water. They
are a sugar-sweetened beverage, which can
contribute to your risk of developing cavities.
So remember—sparkling or not—plain water is always
the best choice.
from Mouthhealthy.org
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