Why fizzy water may be damaging your teeth

Think a light and refreshing fizzy water might be a healthy choice to sip on this summer? Think again! While carbonated waters may be healthy in terms of sugar and calorie content, they’re certainly not good for your oral health. Discover the damage fizzy waters can do to your teeth with our latest healthcare advice in this week’s blog…

With sugary cordials, squash and fizzy pop all known for their damaging effects on teeth, it can be hard to know what to sip on. While fizzy water may seem an attractive alternative, it’s still not a great option. Unlike tap water – or any other still water you can purchase – fizzy water is carbonated. It’s carbon dioxide that produces this fizzy effect, while at the same time creating carbonic acid – producing that refreshing and slightly sharp taste. The key word here is acid – well known for causing the erosion of teeth – and while water’s natural mineral content may balance the acidity levels to some extent, they are still high enough to cause damage.

What makes the acidity levels of carbonated water even more threatening is the way many of us choose to drink it. Sipping on a bottle of the carbonated stuff throughout the day means regular acid attacks on your teeth. As each acid attack lasts around 20 minutes, you could find your teeth have absolutely no chance to recover and no real break from acid attack. What’s more, many like to enhance their water with a wedge of lemon or lime – and while tasty, these fruits have a high acidic content too.

How to drink fizzy water and protect your teeth

Of course, it may not always be practical to avoid carbonated waters, fizzy pop and squash – and while we recommend you limit your consumption, we’re not advocating a total ban. Instead, follow these practical tips to minimise the impact of sugary and acidic drinks on your teeth:

With any acidic or sugary drink, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Instead, opt to have it on the side with a meal. This will ensure your mouth gets the opportunity to neutralise the acid and that your teeth aren’t under constant attack.
While it’s a good idea to keep a glass of water by your bedside, to keep hydrated, opt for still water rather than a carbonated drink or squash – for the same reasons as above.
Consider drinking through a straw. This may minimise acid attacks, because fluid is drawn to the back of the throat rather than the front of the teeth.

To keep on top of your oral hygiene, make an appointment to see a dentist here today. Six-monthly checks are recommended to ensure good oral health. In the meantime, you might like to browse our blog. We’ve got lots of healthcare advice and tips designed to improve your oral health.