Can Seltzer Water Damage Your Enamel? What You Should Know

Seltzer water has been a very trendy beverage for the last few years, and continues to grow in popularity. But if you sip on seltzer, are you putting yourself at risk of tooth decay? In this blog from Lakewood Smiles Dentistry, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about whether or not seltzer water can damage your teeth.

Seltzer Water Is Acidic & Could Contribute To Tooth Decay

Seltzer water can contribute to tooth decay and cause cavities. This is because it’s carbonated using carbon dioxide. When carbon dioxide is pumped into water, this creates “carbonic acid.” This reduces the pH of the water, making it more acidic.

How much more acidic? Well, tap water usually has a pH that’s pretty neutral, at 7. Enamel erosion tends to be a concern once the pH level drops below 4. Seltzer water typically has an acidic pH between 3 or 4, depending on whether or not it’s flavored with citric acid, a common ingredient in citrus-flavored drinks.

This may sound bad, but let’s put things into perspective. Compared to beverages like soda, seltzer water is much less harmful to your mouth. Soda usually has a pH of about 2.4, and is loaded with sugar, which is not present in most types of seltzer, so it’s much worse for your oral health than seltzer.

So if you’ve turned to seltzer water as a way to help curb a heavy soda habit, you’re still doing a good thing for your oral health! Just be aware that seltzer is still more acidic than tap water, and can contribute to tooth decay in some cases.

Our Tips On Sipping Selter Safely – Keep Your Smile Strong

You can still enjoy seltzer water in moderation as long as you follow a few tips to keep your smile healthy. Here are some suggestions from the team at Lakewood Smiles Dentistry.

• Avoid sweetened and alcoholic seltzers – Seltzers with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol are much worse for your oral health. Stick to seltzer that’s unsweetened and non-alcoholic.
• Drink seltzer with meals – This helps reduce how much seltzer you drink each day. Saliva production is also stimulated when you eat, and this helps rinse away acid and maintain your oral pH.
• Don’t sip too slowly – Drink a can of seltzer in a few minutes, rather than over a period of an hour or more. Sipping slowly creates a prolonged acidic environment in your mouth that can contribute to tooth decay.
• Don’t forget about tap water – Tap water helps neutralize acid, and also contains fluoride, which helps reverse the effects of minor tooth decay. Drink plenty of water straight from the tap, too!
• Brush & floss properly – Make sure that you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day to keep your mouth healthy and prevent gum disease and cavities.

Need A Checkup? Come To Lakewood Smiles Dentistry Today!

In addition to taking the above precautions, seeing Dr. Nancy William for a six-month preventive appointment is a great way to make sure your mouth is healthy and free of tooth decay. So don’t wait. Contact us online or call us at (562) 866-0406 to schedule a consultation today.

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