Scientists reveal what sparkling water really does to your teeth
Preliminary research suggests that unsweetened sparkling water is less damaging to tooth enamel than sugar-sweetened soda. While sparkling water can temporarily lower oral pH, the effect is significantly less pronounced than that of soda.
Why it matters
Provides evidence-based guidance for consumers looking to make healthier beverage choices to prevent dental erosion.
Unsweetened sparkling water may be a better option for teeth than sugar-sweetened soda, according to preliminary research comparing how several popular drinks affect acidity in the mouth.
Tooth enamel can begin to dissolve when the mouth's pH falls below about 5.5. The new findings suggest that sparkling water can temporarily lower oral pH, but the effect appears to be less pronounced than the drop caused by soda.
"Many people are switching from soda to sparkling water, and our findings suggest that unsweetened sparkling water may be a lower-risk alternative to soda, when consumed in moderation and alongside good oral hygiene practices," said Wajiha Zulfiqar, a graduate student in Nutrition Science at Purdue University.
Zulfiqar presented the results at NUTRITION 2026, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, held July 25-28 in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.
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