It can feel like a real treat to upgrade from boring old tap water to sparkling—but a dentist has warned that too much of the refreshing elixir can have serious repercussions for your teeth.
Sparkling water has increased in popularity in recent years, with sales increasing 12 per cent year on year, according to Grand View Research.
But experts believe that the popular beverage could be causing long term health problems, including eroding your pearly whites.
Leading dentists say that this is because fizzy water is acidic—compared to tap water which has a neutral pH—and this ‘etches’ the teeth.
Dr Ben Atkins, spokesperson for the Oral Health Foundation said: ‘That means it takes material off it.
‘Then next time you rub it against food or something else, very, very small bits of enamel break off. Over your lifetime that can be a lot of enamel.
‘It’s the carbonic acid, the bubbles, that cause the problem. Carbonic acid is a very mild acid, but it’s still acid and can be bad for your teeth.’
Dr Atkins says he does not drink fizzy water and recommends his patients avoid it too, although it is still significantly better than any sugar–sweetened drink.
The fizzy drink has increased in popularity in recent years with sales increasing 12 per cent year on year
He’s not the only dentist who politely asks for still over sparkling at restaurants.
Dr Praveen Sharma, associate professor and honorary consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Birmingham and Birmingham Dental Hospital and the British Dental Association’s (BDA) adviser also tells people to steer clear.
She said: ‘A mildly acidic drink has the potential to affect teeth by eroding the outer layer of enamel of the tooth.
‘If sparkling water is flavoured, particularly with citrus flavours, then the erosive potential is greater.
‘I prefer my patients to drink still water.
‘It’s a simple health message: if you’re worried about erosion, don’t drink fizzy water. I’ve seen patients who have lost 50 or even 80–90 per cent of their crown, or the top of their teeth, because of acidic reflux and fizzy drinks.’
If you’re not willing to give up fizzy water, there are a handful of measures which can help reduce the risk.
‘Avoid sipping over long periods, and use a straw. In addition, rinse with water after drinking and don’t brush immediately after consumption to avoid ‘rubbing the acid’ into the teeth,’ said Dr Sharma.
Your fizzy water habit could be destroying your teeth
It is also advised that carbonated water should be consumed with a meal and mouthwash used afterwards.
Dr Atkins also advises to reduce consumption: ‘If you are having it once a week, I won’t lose sleep over it,’ he said
‘But if you’re having three bottles of fizzy water a day, yes, well, let’s take a step back and look at that. Pop it into the treat section – so it’s not every day.’
Previous research found that around two thirds of Britons do not drink enough water.
The human body is made up of nearly 60 per cent water, including 75 per cent of the brain and 71 per cent of the liver, so staying hydrated is vital, particularly in hot weather.
Experts say people should drink at least two litres of water every day, although this is a rough estimation and actually depends on a person’s age, gender and weight.
