Sparkling water provides a refreshing, fizzy alternative to sugary sodas or alcohol. Yet, despite its healthy image, it can harm your teeth—particularly the enamel—due to its surprising acidity. English dentist Dr. Adam Thorne highlights this often-overlooked risk: "Most people don't realize sparkling water is highly acidic," with a pH around 3. For context, neutral pH is 7. Sodas and sparkling water both measure at 3, fruit juices at about 3.4, wine at 3.6, and vinegar-based salad dressings at 3.6.
The real problem? Sipping acidic drinks like smoothies, coffee, fruit juices, and sparkling water all day long. "These attack tooth enamel, which takes three hours to recover," Dr. Thorne told the Daily Mail. Erosion leads to pain, yellowing, heightened sensitivity, and long-term tooth damage. To protect your enamel, drink sparkling water in one sitting rather than nursing it. A straw helps bypass teeth contact. Skip constant snacking too, giving enamel recovery time after meals.
Enjoy sparkling water—moderately!
