Dentists warn sparkling water can erode tooth enamel despite being sugar-free
Experts say carbonated water’s mild acidity can ‘etch’ teeth and recommend strategies to reduce dental erosion while noting it is preferable to sugary drinks
Dentists are warning that sparkling water — a sugar-free alternative many people choose over tap water — can erode tooth enamel if consumed frequently, potentially causing long-term dental damage.
Leading clinicians told reporters that the carbonic acid formed when water is carbonated lowers the beverage’s pH and can gradually remove tiny amounts of enamel each time teeth are exposed. Dr. Ben Atkins, spokesperson for the Oral Health Foundation, said that process can ‘‘take material off’’ the tooth surface and that repeated exposure makes small fragments of enamel more likely to break away.
Dr. Praveen Sharma, associate professor and honorary consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Birmingham and an adviser to the British Dental Association, said mildly acidic drinks have the potential to erode the outer enamel layer. Sharma added that flavoured sparkling waters, particularly those with citrus, have greater erosive potential. She said she has seen patients with ‘‘50 or even 80–90 per cent’’ loss of the crown — the visible top of the tooth — attributed to acidic reflux and frequent consumption of fizzy drinks.
Sparkling water sales have grown in recent years, with market researcher Grand View Research reporting a 12 percent year‑on‑year increase. Dentists caution that while carbonated water is significantly better for teeth than sugar‑sweetened soft drinks, it is not as neutral as still tap water and can pose risks when consumed frequently or sipped over long periods.
Clinicians and public health advisers recommend practical steps to reduce erosive risk for people who do not want to give up sparkling water. Suggested measures include avoiding prolonged sipping, drinking carbonated water with meals, using a straw to limit contact with teeth, rinsing the mouth with plain water after consumption, and waiting before brushing to avoid ‘‘rubbing the acid’’ into softened enamel. Using a mouthwash after meals is also advised by some practitioners. Dr. Atkins said occasional consumption — for example, once a week — is unlikely to cause major concern, but daily or multiple‑bottle consumption warrants reconsideration.
Public health context underlines the importance of maintaining hydration while protecting oral health. Earlier research has found many people do not drink enough water; health agencies often cite a rough guideline of about two litres a day though individual needs vary by age, sex, weight and activity. The human body is composed largely of water, a fact experts use to stress the importance of adequate fluid intake, especially in hot weather.
Dentists say messages to patients should balance hydration goals with oral health protection. Still water remains the least erosive choice, especially for those at higher risk of enamel loss or with conditions such as acid reflux. For people who prefer carbonation, clinicians recommend moderation and the protective measures outlined to reduce cumulative enamel exposure to acidity.
The advice comes as clinicians continue to assess dietary trends and oral health outcomes. While sparkling water presents a lower caries risk than sugar‑sweetened beverages, dental professionals emphasize that its acidity should not be overlooked when advising patients about daily beverage choices.