Dental experts warn that sparkling water may erode tooth enamel because its acidity can weaken the protective outer layer of teeth [1, 2, 3].
This warning affects millions of people who use carbonated water as a calorie-free alternative to sugary sodas. While these drinks lack the sugar found in soft drinks, the chemical process of carbonation introduces a different risk to oral health.
Carbonation occurs when dissolved carbon dioxide gas is added to water [4]. This process forms carbonic acid, which lowers the pH level of the beverage [4, 5, 6]. When the pH drops, the liquid can demineralize the enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to wear and decay [4, 5, 6].
Reports on the issue have surfaced globally. In Australia, the Sydney Morning Herald highlighted the risk this week [1]. Similarly, publications in the UK and the U.S. have discussed how the acidity in seltzer and sparkling waters can be an issue for dental health [2, 3].
"At its most fundamental level, sparkling water is simply water that contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas," Anistacia Barber said [4].
There is some disagreement among sources regarding the severity of the risk. Some reporting suggests that sparkling water remains a harmless alternative to sugary drinks [7]. However, other experts said that most acidic drinks can damage enamel and that sparkling water can be a contributing factor [3].
Dentists generally suggest that while the risk is lower than that associated with soda, the carbonic acid still poses a potential threat to long-term dental integrity [3, 6].
“Sparkling water may erode tooth enamel because its acidity can weaken enamel.”
This suggests that consumers cannot view sparkling water as entirely neutral for dental health. While it eliminates the sugar-driven decay associated with soda, the inherent acidity of carbonation creates a chemical environment that can strip minerals from teeth over time.
