Fizzy Facts: Is Soda Water Bad For Your Teeth?
Fizzy Facts: Is Soda Water Bad For Your Teeth?
If you were under the impression that all types of water are good for your teeth, we’ve got some bad news - unfortunately, that bubbly glass of soda water could be doing more damage to your oral health than you may have thought.
Here are the facts on soda water and its effect on teeth, as well as which kinds of beverages are best for your dental health.
What is soda water?
Soda water is also known as carbonated water because it is created by dissolving carbon dioxide gas in water. This process creates an acid called carbonic acid, which gives soda water its characteristic bubbles or fizziness.
How does soda water damage my teeth?
When it comes to teeth health, you may think that soda water is a healthy beverage choice - after all, isn’t it just fizzy water? The problem lies in the carbonic acid that gives rise to soda water’s bubbles.
Acidic beverages are harmful to our dental health. This is because the acid present in certain food or drinks - such as the carbonic acid in soda water - can damage the protective layer of enamel found on the surface of our teeth, causing it to weaken and erode over time.
As a result, our teeth are left exposed to a range of dental health issues, such as cavities and tooth decay.
Is soda water as acidic as soft drinks?
Although the pH level of soda water is lower than that of plain water (meaning it’s more acidic), it’s not as low as most soft drinks such as cola or lemonade. However, its acidic nature still means it can damage your teeth.
What about tonic water or mineral water?
If you’re looking for an alternative to soda water, it’s important to be water-wise, as not all bottled waters are the same.
Tonic water is a form of carbonated water that contains an extra ingredient called quinine. It often contains added sugar, making it even more damaging to teeth than soda water.
Mineral water, on the other hand, generally has no carbonic acid or sugars added to it, so it may be a healthier choice for teeth and gums, however they can still be acidic.
What should I look out for when choosing water drinks?
Don’t be fooled by the word ‘water’, as some products can contain added ingredients that have a negative impact on oral health.
As carbonated drinks such as soda and tonic water are acidic, it’s best to reduce your intake of these beverages. If you do enjoy fizzy drinks on occasion, you may want to drink through a straw to reduce the damage to your teeth.
Another thing to look out for is the sugar content of beverages, which can be surprisingly high. A high-sugar diet increases your risk of tooth decay due to bacteria in the mouth using the sugar to attack the surface of the teeth, leading to cavities and decay.
What’s the best choice of beverage for oral health?
When it comes to water, plain tap water wins the race for the best water to drink for our dental health. What’s more, the majority of people in Australia have access to fluoridated tap water - this is water that contains fluoride, an important mineral for healthy teeth.
Aside from water, milk is one of the most teeth-friendly beverages around, as it contains plenty of calcium - an essential mineral for strong teeth and bones. You can enjoy it cold, hot, or in a delicious smoothie.
Need to make an appointment to see your local National Dental Care or DB Dental dentist? Find your nearest practice and book online today.