You know that drinking plenty of water is important for a healthy mouth and body; however, when staying hydrated, you are not too fond of regular water. As an alternative, you tend to prefer sparkling water. The carbonated beverage allows you to quench your thirst while staying hydrated, but is it good for your teeth? Your dentist in Ann Arbor will agree that it is a better choice than soda, but there are several things to keep in mind when choosing a sparkling water. While it is a safer alternative, there can still be some risks for your smile.

Choosing Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is a far better choice than choosing sodas, many fruit juices, or sports drinks because they contain less sugar; however, that does not mean that they are sugar-free. In addition to sugar, they may contain additional ingredients that can damage your teeth. To make a smart choice for your smile, there are a couple of important factors to keep in mind.

1. Check for Sugar: Many sparkling waters still contain sugar; therefore, check the sugar content before making your purchase. When you consume sugar, it combines with your saliva, which turns it to an acid. As it sits on your teeth, it will begin to eat away at your enamel. Over time, this will cause a cavity to form. While it is fine to drink sparkling water, it is best to choose one that is sugar-free to reduce your risk for tooth decay.
2. Limit the Acidity: Many of the waters come in a variety of tasty flavors, like lemon or cherry. While they do taste great, this makes them more acidic than those that are unflavored. If you cannot skip one that has flavor, it is best to avoid those that have citrus because they have higher acid levels, which can eat away at your enamel.
3. Drink Water: Sparking water is not a permanent substitute for regular water. You will need to drink plenty of plain water, preferably one that contains fluoride. By staying hydrated with a noncarbonated option, it helps to cleanse your mouth from food debris and harmful bacteria.

Promote a Healthy Smile

By making the right food and beverage selections, you will not just promote your general health, but that of your teeth and gums as well. If you prefer sparkling water take the time to read labels to make the best choice for your mouth and body.

About Dr. James Olsen

For nearly 30 years, Dr. James Olsen has provided comprehensive dental care to the community. In addition to his extensive qualifications, he embraces the latest advancements in dentistry to provide superior care. He creates personalized solutions to help each patient reach and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. With a focus on prevention, he helps to protect the teeth and gums from damage. In addition to routine appointments, he will take the time to speak with you about additional preventive measures, like your oral hygiene habits at home. If you have questions about improving the health of your smile contact our office today.