So, is carbonated water bad for your teeth?

We all have our favourite brand and, sometimes, flavour. It's crisp, refreshing, and has zero calories. And that makes us feel good about our beverage choice. You may have guessed it: we're talking about sparkling water! The drink's popularity is soaring, according to USA Today. But how does it affect your pearly whites? So, is carbonated water bad for your teeth? We've got all the sparkling water answers you need.

How Do Fizzy Drinks Affect Your Teeth?

If you asked your dentist for their thoughts on fizzy drinks, they'd recommend avoiding it. Why? Two big reasons:

• Sugar — fizzy drinks have it in abundance, leading to tooth cavities
• Acid — most fizzy drinks are highly acidic, contributing to tooth erosion

So, now you know what not to drink. Healthier alternatives include water, milk, and you guessed it — unsweetened sparkling water.

What Are Sparkling Water's Effects on Your Teeth?

That fizzy refreshment in your sparkling water is caused by carbonation. And it's the carbonation that has some concerned. So, is carbonated water bad for your teeth? The U.S. News & World Report quotes a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which found that many popular sports drinks were "extremely erosive", while most sparkling carbonated waters ranked as "minimally erosive". So, does "minimally erosive" equate to "bad"?

Sparkling water is much less erosive than other beverages. This is good, as it means the drink isn't bad for you. "For an average, healthy person, carbonated, sugar-free beverages are not going to be a main cavity-causing factor," according to the U.S. News & World Report article. However, they are not necessarily good for you. It's great to replace fizzy drinks with sparkling water, but don't replace water with fluoride over its sparkling counterpart.

What Are Some Other Ways to Protect Your Teeth?

There are a few things you can do to tackle cavities and enamel erosion:

• Brush with specially formulated toothpaste to help strengthen tooth enamel, replenish natural calcium, and protect against tooth sensitivity
• See your dentist regularly to detect signs of tooth cavities early, when they are easy to correct or reverse.

Now you know the truth about sparkling water: it isn't bad for your teeth. You also understand what's needed to keep your teeth healthy while you enjoy something fizzy.