Impact of Sparkling Water On Dental Health Considered

The Atlantic (2/1, Khazan) considers the dental impact of consuming sparkling water, stating that “even when it’s unflavored, fizzy water contains an acid – carbonic acid – that gives it its bubbles.” According to the article, the acidity in sparkling water may “gradually wear away tooth enamel,” although, “unless they’re flavored with citric or other acids, seltzers tend to have more neutral pH values than soft drinks like Coke.” Damien Walmsley, a professor of dentistry at the University of Birmingham, said, “My advice is to keep acidic drinks to mealtimes, and if you have to sip drinks between meals, then plain water is the safest.”