Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: four minutes
Soda water seems like a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. It has no sugar, no calories, and no artificial coloring. But does that mean it is safe for your teeth?
In this blog, you will learn how soda water affects your enamel, whether flavored or plain carbonated beverages make a difference, and how to enjoy fizzy drinks without harming your oral health.
Table of Contents
- How Soda Water Affects Your Teeth
- The Long-Term Impact of Acidic Beverages
- How to Tell If Enamel Is Already Affected
- Protect Your Smile With Clearwater Dentistry
Key Takeaway
While soda water is less harmful than sugary soft drinks, it is still acidic enough to gradually weaken your enamel. To keep your teeth healthy, limit acidic beverages, follow a consistent oral care routine, and prioritize plain water when you can.
How Soda Water Affects Your Teeth
Soda water, also known as sparkling water, seltzer, or fizzy water, contains carbonic acid, which forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. This gives the drink its bubbles but also lowers its pH, making it mildly acidic.
While it is not as erosive as sugary sodas or citrus drinks, frequent exposure to soda water may still contribute to acid erosion and enamel wear over time, especially if it is flavored.
So if you are wondering, “is soda water acidic?” the answer is yes, and its acidity can play a role in enamel erosion with repeated exposure.
Tooth enamel begins to demineralize at a pH of 5.5 or lower. Most unflavored carbonated waters fall between 3 and 4 on the pH scale, making them acidic enough to cause enamel erosion over time.
The Long-Term Impact of Acidic Beverages
Tooth enamel is strong, but once it wears away, it does not grow back. When enamel becomes thin or damaged, your teeth are more likely to feel sensitive, develop cavities, and appear discolored.
Here is how acidic drinks contribute to that damage:
- Acid softens your enamel: Even without sugar, acidic drinks like soda water and citrus juices can weaken the surface of your teeth over time.
- Repeated exposure increases wear: Sipping acidic beverages regularly keeps your mouth in a low pH state, making it harder for enamel to recover.
- Brushing too soon can make it worse: After drinking something acidic, enamel is temporarily softened. Brushing right away can wear it down even more. Dentists recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing.
What About Flavored or Sweetened Sparkling Waters?
Flavored carbonated drinks often contain citric acid, which is also found in citrus juices. This makes them more acidic than plain sparkling water.
Some also contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which can contribute to dental problems, even if the drink seems like a healthier choice. Even unsweetened mineral waters or club soda can be damaging if consumed frequently, especially when flavored with citrus fruits or other acidic ingredients.
Examples to watch out for:
- Lemon, lime, grapefruit, or other citrus fruit flavors
- Brands with “natural essence” or added flavor that still affect acidity level
- Tonic water (usually contains sugar)
- Club soda with added minerals like sodium bicarbonate or potassium sulfate
Still Want the Fizz? Here Is How to Protect Your Teeth
You can still enjoy carbonated drinks in moderation. With a few simple habits, you can reduce the risk to your enamel and keep your teeth healthy.
- Drink with meals: Food helps neutralize acids and support a healthier oral health routine.
- Use a straw: This limits contact between the bubbly drink and your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking: Rinse with fluoridated water or tap water to remove remaining acid in soda water.
- Wait 30–60 minutes before brushing: This gives enamel time to re-harden.
- Choose unflavored or flat water when possible: Regular water or plain water is safer for long-term dental health.
How to Tell If Enamel Is Already Affected
Look out for these signs of enamel erosion and oral health problems:
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to cold
- Yellowing teeth (as enamel thins and dentin shows)
- Rounded or translucent edges on your teeth
- Tiny cracks or chips
- Pain when eating acidic foods or drinking acidic beverages
If you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist for a dental exam.
Pro Tips to Keep Your Smile Safe
- Prioritize still water or drinks with water like herbal teas over soda water or energy drinks.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to support enamel.
- Reduce intake of acidic beverages, sugary sodas, and carbonated drinks.
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and help with dry mouth.
- Stick to ordinary water or flat water as your main source of hydration.
Protect Your Smile With Clearwater Dentistry
A healthy smile starts with routine care. If you’re due for a dental exam or cleaning, our friendly team in Greeley is ready to help you stay on track.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, (970) 515-3550 ir visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
Learn more about how to protect your oral health in our blog!
