You may have often heard that staying hydrated by drinking water is good for oral hygiene. As a result, you may have been under the impression that all types of water are good for your teeth.
Sadly, we have to burst your bubble on this one.
Many Australians have started swapping out soda (which is bad for your teeth) with sparkling water as a healthier alternative. With its fizzy and bubbly texture and refreshing taste and absence of high sugar content, empty calories and chemical additives, it’s clear why carbonated water has become a crowd-favourite.
But alas, like soda water, carbonated water is also bad for your teeth, as it can damage your teeth and oral health.
What is Carbonated Water
Carbonated water, also known as soda water or sparkling water, is created by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in water. This process then creates carbonic acid, which gives soda water its signature fizz and bubbles that many find refreshing.
However, here’s the thing – this process also gives soda water a slightly acidic pH (around 4.7 to 5.0). While that’s considerably less than the acidic pH of soft drinks (around 2.5-3.5), it doesn’t mean it’s not totally harmless for your teeth.
If you consume carbonated water often or excessively, the acidity in it can result in enamel erosion.
How does Carbonated Water Damage Your Teeth?
Like we said before, carbonated water isn’t just water with bubbles. The acidity which comes from the carbonic acid created by combining carbon dioxide with water, gives sparkling water its fizz while also lowering its pH. This makes it slightly more acidic than plain water.
Now, how does this affect your teeth? Here’s the thing – the enamel (the protective outer layer of your teeth) begins to break down when the pH level in your mouth drops below 5.5 as that is the threshold for enamel demineralisation where the minerals in your enamel starts to dissolve. Prolonged exposure, can then lead to enamel erosion leaving your teeth more vulnerable to chips, decay and sensitivity.
Comparison Between Carbonated Water and Other Beverages
In order to understand where the acidity of carbonated water stands, it’s important to understand the pH levels of other beverages.
- Soft Drinks: pH 2.5-3.5
- Fruit Juices: pH 3.5-4.5
- Carbonated Water: pH 4-5
- Black Coffee: pH 5-6
- Water: pH 7 (neutral)
While carbonated water is more acidic than good old plain water, it’s less acidic than common beverages like soft drinks. Therefore, having carbonated water in moderation won’t result in significant damage to your teeth. However, the damage will be greater if you sip on soda water throughout the day, which creates a consistently acidic environment in your mouth.
Are Alternatives like Tonic Water and Mineral Water Safe?
Not all bottled waters are created equal. Tonic water is a type of water that contains an ingredient called quinine (which gives it an acidic taste) and added sugar, which makes it more harmful to your teeth than plain soda water. This combination of acidity and sugar can increase the risk of cavities and enamel erosion.
Mineral water on the other hand is considered a generally better alternative to carbonated water. This is because it doesn’t have added carbonic acid or sugars. However, mineral water can still have a natural acidity (depending on its mineral content), which may pose a mild risk to your teeth.
So, don’t be fooled by the label when it comes to bottled water. Make sure you read the ingredients and nutritional information to make sure your drink isn’t harming your teeth without your knowledge.
What’s the Best Drink for Your Oral Health?
Want to keep your teeth and smile healthy? Then, good old plain water is the best beverage you can have. In fact, we recommend making water your go-to choice of beverage because of the benefits it provides.
- Prevents cavities and tooth decay by washing away bacteria, food particles and acids.
- Promotes saliva production which helps in washing away remaining food particles and neutralising harmful acids.
- Water helps neutralise acids from acidic foods and drinks, restoring the pH balance of your mouth. (Tip: drink water immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages).
- Reduces bad breath by rinsing away bad breath-causing bacteria.
- Fluoridated water helps strengthen your enamel and prevent decay.
Apart from water, milk with its high calcium content is one of the most teeth-friendly beverages available to you.
How To Protect Your Teeth While Drinking Soda Water
If you enjoy soda water and find it hard to give up on it entirely, here are some steps you can follow to minimise damage and protect your oral health:
- Drink Carbonated Water in Moderation: Prolonged exposure to acidity in carbonated water can increase the risk of enamel erosion. So, make sure to drink carbonated water in moderation.
- Use a Straw: Drink carbonated water using a straw to avoid contact with your teeth. This can help minimise the risk of enamel erosion.
- Rinse with Plain Water: After drinking soda water, rinse your mouth with plain water to neutralise the acidity and wash away the acid from your teeth.
- Wait Before Brushing: Avoid brushing your teeth right after drinking carbonated water. Make sure to wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth as it allows your saliva to neutralise the acid.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit our dental clinic every 6 months to stay on top of your oral health. These regular check-ups help us identify any signs of enamel erosion and intervene before it gets too severe.
Carbonated water, when enjoyed responsibly, won’t necessarily spell trouble for your teeth. By taking precautions and following our recommendations, you can keep your smile healthy while enjoying the fizz.
