Is Seltzer Water Ruining Your Tooth Enamel? How To Sip Safely!

Seltzer water is becoming one of the most popular beverages in America, and it’s a great alternative to sugary sodas or diet sodas filled with artificial sweeteners. But you may be worried that it’s still not good for your teeth. What’s the truth? Does seltzer water ruin your enamel and lead to issues like cavities? Find out in below.

Seltzer Water Is Acidic And Could Contribute To Decay & Enamel Loss

The short answer is that seltzer water can be a major contributor to enamel loss and tooth decay. This is because when carbon dioxide is pumped into water, it turns into carbonic acid, which reduces the pH of the water and makes it acidic. 

Tap water has a neutral pH of about 7. Enamel erosion only occurs with drinks that are below a pH of about 4, and seltzer water or sparkling water with no added sweeteners usually has an acidic pH between 3 and 4, depending on whether it also includes flavoring agents like citric acid from citrus fruits.

However, it’s still not as bad for your teeth as other drinks like cola. Most colas are around 2.4 pH, and also have a lot of sugar, which stimulates the production of acid by oral bacteria that feed on sugar. 

So while seltzer water is acidic, it’s much better for your oral health than other drinks like soda. In fact, if you’re trying to kick a soda habit, switching to seltzer is a great choice.

How To Reduce The Impact Of Seltzer On Your Enamel

Wondering how you can maintain your seltzer habit while keeping your mouth healthy? Here are our tips. 

• Don’t sip it too slowly – It’s best to drink your seltzer relatively quickly, compared to sipping on the same seltzer for an hour or longer. This is because prolonged sipping creates a more acidic environment in your mouth for a longer period of time.
  
  
• Drink it with meals – Saliva production is stimulated when you eat, and saliva helps neutralize acids and keeps your mouth healthy. Only drinking seltzer when you eat also helps you reduce your overall consumption and helps you avoid sipping on it for a long period of time.
  
  
• Rinse afterward – You can rinse with water or drink a glass of tap water to rinse out your mouth, or even use mouthwash with fluoride for additional protection from tooth decay and enamel loss.
  
  
• Drink plenty of tap water, too – It goes without saying that seltzer water shouldn’t be your only source of hydration. You should also drink plenty of tap water, which has fluoride that can help strengthen and remineralize your teeth.
  

Get A Checkup From Nova Cosmetic Dentistry To Keep Your Smile Healthy 

As long as you use moderation and follow the above tips, you can keep your smile healthy and still enjoy sugar-free seltzer water without worrying about your enamel. And if you need a checkup to make sure your smile is healthy and strong, Dr. Lana Waibel is here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (267) 405-2727 to schedule an appointment and get the preventive dental care you need in Ambler.