Sparkling water is that refreshing drink alternative to tap water or soft drink than can adapt to any social situation - from casual to fancy. It’s an especially great substitute for alcohol-free days and makes a good spritzer mixed with just about anything - from tea, juice, or wine to mixing with spirits and a garnish twist. Aperol anyone?

What is sparkling water?

Any water that has been carbonated with carbon dioxide to create a bubble or fiz becomes sparkling water such as soda water. Salt may be added for flavour. Mineral waters also contain trace elements commonplace to the location where the water was sourced. Sparkling water is generally free from sugar, except tonic water which has quinine and sugar as additives.

What is the pH of sparkling water?

Carbonating water makes it acidic at a pH of 3-4. This gives the water a tart taste that apparently stimulates the tastebuds in the same way mustard does.

How does sparkling water affect teeth?

Teeth enamel will dissolve in acids of pH less than 5.5 so regular consumption of sparkling water could contribute to dental erosion.

Dental erosion results in the progressive thinning of enamel across the tooth surfaces in frequent contact with the dietary acid such as from sparkling water. This is common on the front surfaces of upper teeth and the biting surfaces of lower teeth. This can cause teeth to appear more yellow in colour and may become more sensitive to extremes of temperature such as ice cream or hot drinks.

Erosion is different to dental decay that causes cavities. Dental decay or tooth cavitation comes from the impact of targeted acid released by mouth bacteria after consuming sugar. The cavitation tends to occur at the site where the bacteria are resting around teeth - commonly between teeth or in the grooves of teeth that are frequently missed with teeth cleaning. This can cause teeth to crumble and if the cavitation continues to the nerve inside the tooth, severe pain can develop with a dental infection.

Many soft drinks such as cola and other flavoured beverages, are both carbonated and high in sugar. This is a double whammy! The acidic pH of the drink PLUS the high sugar content means the teeth can be impacted by acid in two ways - generally, over the surfaces (erosion) AND targeted in harder to reach places (cavitation). This can accelerate tooth loss and destruction rapidly. The speed is related to how frequently these drinks are consumed and how good personal oral care habits such as toothbrushing and flossing are.

So sparkling water is unlikely to cause tooth cavities but IS likely to cause tooth erosion that may require treatment by a dentist to help with tooth loss appearance and sensitivity.

We recommend drinking sparkling water only occasionally - up to 2 times per week, and drink neutral pH tap or still water as much as you desire for best teeth health.

By Dr Christine May - a dentist, blogger and founder of @helloViDe. All health information is of a general nature only and does not replace personalised advice given to you following a consultation with a qualified health practitioner.