By Drs. Woody Wooddell & Joe Passaro

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, many wonder whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form).

(baibaz / DepositPhotos.com)

While sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth, it does expose your teeth to low levels of acid. It’s how you consume it that matters most. Sipping sparkling water throughout the day can be detrimental to tooth enamel because your teeth are constantly being exposed to acid. Plan to enjoy a sparkling water in one sitting or with meals. This way, you aren’t exposing your teeth over and over again to the slightly higher level of acid it contains.

Also, be mindful of what’s in your sparkling water. Citrus-flavored waters often have higher acid levels that increase the risk of damage to your enamel. Sparkling water brands with added sugar cannot be considered just sparkling water. They are a sugar-sweetened beverage, which can contribute to an even greater risk of developing cavities.

It’s true that sparkling water is better for your teeth than any sugary beverage, but it should be enjoyed in moderation. Always be sure to drink plenty of plain water, preferably with fluoride, to wash away leftover food that cavity-causing bacteria feast on and keep your mouth from becoming dry (which can put you at a higher risk of cavities) – it’s the best beverage for your teeth!

Dr. Woody Wooddell and Dr. Joe Passaro opened the doors to their dental practice in Davidsonville, MD in 1981. In addition to caring for their patients’ dental health by offering general dentistry services, Drs. Wooddell and Passaro provide expert restorative and esthetic dental solutions. Visit their website at www.wpdentalgroup.com or call 410.956.5555 for more information.

Please support OutLook by the Bay with a subscription.

OutLook by the Bay magazine and this website are made possible through the support of our advertisers and subscribers. We guarantee you’ll learn something new each issue. Please subscribe today.