Study Shows Sparkling Water Less Harmful to Teeth Than Soda

In Brief:

1. Soda causes the strongest, longest drop in salivary pH.
2. Sparkling water causes only a temporary drop in acidity that remains above the enamel-damage threshold.
3. The study tracked changes in mouth acidity after consuming different drinks.
4. Findings suggest sparkling water is a tooth-friendlier alternative to sugary sodas.

A preliminary study suggests unsweetened sparkling water is a safer alternative to sugary sodas for oral health. Researchers found that soda causes a significant, prolonged drop in salivary pH, increasing mouth acidity and the risk of enamel damage. In contrast, sparkling water causes only a temporary drop in salivary pH, which remains above the critical threshold for enamel erosion before saliva quickly restores normal conditions. While larger studies are needed, replacing soda with sparkling water may help protect tooth enamel.