Will sparkling water hurt my teeth?

Illustration of a scenic background with a hand holding a can of sparkling water in the foreground .

Looking for a refreshing beverage this summer?

We always say, “Water is the way to go!” However, while lounging next to the pool or celebrating a special occasion, water on its own might not hit the spot. But we know soda and juice are filled with cavity-causing sugar, so could a flavored sparkling water be a healthier alternative?

Yes!

Illustration of the components that make up the inside of the tooth. The outer layer is white and labeled "enamel", there is a pink layer below that labeled "dentin", and the inner red layer is the "pulp".

The carbonation in sparkling water was a concern when it first started gaining popularity. However, studies have shown that its pH level is safe for teeth, even with the bubbles, and it should not cause erosion to enamel.

An illustration of a bottled beverage labeled "Sparkling Water" with a green check mark next to it to indicate it's approved as safe for your teeth.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your bubbly beverage:

When selecting a sparkling water, double check that it doesn’t contain sugar or fruit juice. If the drink contains sugar, it has the same downsides as soda or sports drinks.
Be sure to drink plenty of fluoridated water; don’t let sparkling water replace normal tap water.
Try to limit citrus fruit flavors. Citrus fruits are more acidic and can cause more damage to your teeth.
Drinking sparkling water during a meal or in one sitting is preferred over sipping on it all day.

Illustration of sugary drinks that can cause cavities - a bottle of soda, an iced coffee, a cup of tea and a juice box. There is a red X next to these drinks to show they are not choices a dentist would approve drinking them.

With regular brushing, flossing and drinking enough fluoridated tap water, sparkling water can be a refreshing addition to your summertime routine, without compromising your teeth.

Sources:

This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.

Eileen Crespo, MD

Dr. Eileen Crespo is the Vice President of Medical Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. She is a practicing pediatrician of over 25 years. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Biology and received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is currently a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Co-Chapter Oral Health Advocate (COHA) of the Minnesota American Academy of Pediatrics, and a member of the Board of Directors of Children’s Dental Services, and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.