We know how important it is to maintain a healthy smile and overall well-being. One question our patients often ask is “how does sparkling water affect my teeth?”
Personally, I’m a fan of carbonated beverages. I love the feeling of “fizz.” But I also understand the havoc that many diet and energy drinks cause as they beat up on our teeth. So I switched to carbonated water several years ago and now rarely drink soda.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and what you put into it can have a significant impact on your health. That’s why we’re sharing the latest about sparkling water and how it compares to soda in the way it impacts your smile.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that sparkling water, also known as seltzer, is generally considered a healthier alternative to sugary sodas.
It is a great alternative to sodas, alcoholic beverages, or juices — all of which can have deleterious effects on your GI tract and overall health.
However, the carbonation in sparkling water can still have some potential drawbacks. As the experts at the University of Utah Medicine explain, the carbonation could cause symptoms like bloating and exacerbate pre-existing conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
To minimize these potential side effects, it’s crucial to choose a sparkling water that is purely carbonated water, without any added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Additives — such as sugar or artificial sweetener — could also be a culprit of seltzer-induced symptoms, so choosing a seltzer that is purely carbonated water is the key to minimizing the after-effects of drinking it.
The Surprising Benefits of Sparkling Water
But the benefits of sparkling water don’t stop there. Carbonation in sparkling water can help stimulate saliva production, which is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing tooth decay.
As I’ve mentioned before, your mouth is the gateway to your body, and what you put into it can have a significant impact on your overall health. Sparkling water can be a great alternative to sugary drinks, as it helps keep your mouth healthy and may even slow down the aging process.
The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Smile
Speaking of maintaining a healthy mouth, it’s important to remember that your oral health is closely linked to your overall well-being. As the American Dental Association (ADA) has emphasized, your mouth is the gateway to the body, and poor oral health can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
That’s why it’s so important to keep up on your regular check-ups and maintenance. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you’re not only maintaining a beautiful smile, but you’re also taking care of your overall health.
Sparkling water can be a great alternative to sugary sodas, but it’s important to choose a variety that is purely carbonated water to minimize any potential side effects. And don’t forget, your oral health is crucial to your overall well-being, so be sure to floss or waterpik daily, and visit your dentist regularly and maintain a healthy smile.
Sparkling water can be a great alternative to sodas, alcoholic beverages, or juices — but can still be acidic if there are too many additives. So, the next time you reach for a refreshing beverage, consider choosing a sparkling water that is free of added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Your body and your smile will thank you!
Have a great week,
Pinecrest Dental
(801) 503-0035
P.S. Do you HATE dental work or have a TERRIFYING fear of needles? Then checkout a Sedation Dentistry update video I created for you to watch by clicking here: https://www.loom.com/share/33029062b22a4f58bc11fdcde8e4e3d8?sid=cac7e635-ff37-4ac7-983c-04aeaa27249a
