You have probably heard or read that drinking soda or sugary drinks can damage your teeth. Diet soda is included on that list too, since artificial sweeteners can still negatively impact your teeth. You have most likely lost count of how many times it has been drilled into your head to avoid these types of drinks. To be “more healthy,” many people have turned to drinking flavored seltzer water. This beverage has become quite popular in recent years, and it now dominates the shelves at grocery stores nationwide, including throughout Fort Lauderdale and the South Florida area. However, is seltzer water truly better for your teeth?
Seltzer Water and Carbonic Acid
Whether you crack open a can of pre-made seltzer water or make it at home, you hear and see those vibrant, lively bubbles. The refreshing and effervescent nature of carbonated water is typically why people choose this beverage.
The fizziness in your drink is caused by pressurized carbon dioxide being added to the water. If you decide to make this drink at home, you probably already know that you have to buy CO2 canisters to create the carbonation for your own seltzer water.
Carbonic acid is left behind when carbon dioxide gets added to water. This acid is weaker than other acids. However, exposure to high levels of this acid over time can erode the enamel and calcium in your teeth, which can leave behind a painful cavity.
How Acidic Is Seltzer Water, Really?
Enamel erosion generally becomes a concern with beverages that fall below a pH of about 4. Plain, unflavored seltzer water and sparkling water typically sit in the range of pH 3 to pH 4, which puts it in a similar range to citrus juice, though flavored versions with added citric acid can push closer to that lower end. This means plain seltzer, enjoyed in moderation, is unlikely to cause significant harm to your enamel, but it is still more acidic than plain water and should not fully replace it in your daily routine.
pH Balance and Seltzer Water
In water, the higher the pH balance, the less acid you will find in it. Typically, water that has a lot of gas added will have a lower pH balance, which means it can contain acid that can potentially be problematic.
You can figure out the pH level of your seltzer water by purchasing a simple pH testing kit, which can be found online and isn’t extremely costly.
With seltzer water that you purchase at the store, you may be able to find pH information from the manufacturer, though this information isn’t always easy to get. Tap water usually has a pH between 6.5 and 9.5, which is a good average to keep in mind when testing your seltzer water. To find out more about how pH levels can lead to tooth decay, click here. Our own breakdown of how pH relates to tooth decay walks through the same science with a closer look at demineralization and remineralization.
Isn’t All Seltzer Water the Same?
Many people think that carbonated water and seltzer water are exactly the same, but in reality it depends on the ingredients found in each. In fact, certain carbonated waters have a lower pH and can carry an increased risk to the health of your teeth. Of course, there are also carbonated mineral waters that contain calcium, which can actually benefit your teeth.
You will want to avoid additives in your carbonated water such as:
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
These additives lower the pH even further and add sugar that feeds the bacteria already living in your mouth, which is part of why flavored sparkling waters tend to be more corrosive than plain versions.
Does Sparkling Water Erode Teeth?
While sparkling water can be a healthy alternative to other beverages such as soda, there are certain sparkling waters that can cause dental erosion. It is important that you know which ones to avoid. Some sparkling water can contain sugar, which can be linked to:
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Obesity
- Tooth decay
The best beverage for your body and teeth is plain water. Bottled water has a pH of about 7. Sparkling water has a pH of around 5.5 due to the weaker carbonic acid it is created with. However, some sparkling waters contain citric acid and sugar, which make them more harmful to your teeth. At the end of the day, sparkling water is less damaging than soda, regular or diet, is to your teeth.
Simple Habits That Protect Your Teeth
A few small habits make plain seltzer easier on your teeth. Try to drink a can within a few minutes rather than sipping it over an hour, since slow sipping keeps your mouth in an acidic state for longer. Drinking through a straw limits how much the liquid touches your front teeth, and waiting about twenty minutes before brushing gives softened enamel time to reharden. If you already drink seltzer daily, pairing it with regular dental checkups gives us the chance to catch early enamel wear before it progresses.
Visit DG Dental
Plain seltzer water is generally harmless, especially for people who visit their dentist regularly and have a good oral hygiene routine in place at home. Seltzer water shouldn’t replace tap or bottled water, but it can be a safe part of your daily routine. You will want to drink it in moderation, as with anything except water, in order to keep your teeth healthy. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation for one of our cosmetic dentistry procedures, give us a call today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seltzer Water and Your Teeth
Is plain seltzer water safe to drink every day?
Plain, unflavored seltzer water is generally safe for daily use when it does not replace your regular water intake and when you maintain good brushing habits. Its mild carbonic acid is much weaker than the acids found in soda or juice, so moderate daily use is unlikely to cause noticeable harm.
Is flavored seltzer worse for teeth than plain seltzer?
Flavored seltzer is often more acidic than plain seltzer because citrus flavoring typically includes citric acid, which lowers the pH further. Checking the label for added citric acid or sugar can help you choose a gentler option for your teeth.
Should I brush my teeth right after drinking seltzer water?
It is better to wait about twenty to thirty minutes before brushing. The acid in seltzer temporarily softens tooth enamel, and brushing immediately can wear down enamel that has not yet had time to reharden with the help of your saliva.
Is sparkling mineral water better for teeth than regular seltzer?
Some sparkling mineral waters contain calcium, which can offer a small benefit to your teeth compared with seltzer that has no added minerals. The bigger factor is still whether the water contains added sugar or citric acid, so checking the ingredient label matters more than the mineral versus seltzer distinction alone.
