The Not So Sparkling Truth About Sparkling Drinks 

Sparkling drinks are an incredibly popular drink. From sparkling flavored waters to seltzers, there’s a number of different options on the market. While these sparkling drinks may be delicious, the truth is that the fizz you enjoy can be bad for your dental health. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of sparkling drinks and how to protect your teeth if you do choose to enjoy them from time to time.

What Makes a Drink Sparkling?

The fizz in sparkling drinks comes from either carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas. These gases are added to the drink under pressure, which is what gives the drink its signature bubbles. The bubbles are a fun way to drink a beverage some might find boring — like water. However, if you do enjoy the bubbly drinks regularly, there are some concerns to be aware of.

The Not So Sparkling Truth About Fizzy Drinks 

While these bubbles may be fun to pop, they can also wreak havoc on your teeth. When you take a sip of a sparkling drink, the carbon dioxide in the drink interacts with the saliva in your mouth to create carbonic acid. This acid then attacks the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems.

The Dangers of Acidity and Your Teeth

Enamel is the strong outer layer that protects your teeth. Acidic drinks can wear enamel down, weakening it and causing long-term tooth erosion. It’s essential to care for your teeth because tooth erosion is permanent. Enamel isn’t a living cell and doesn’t naturally repair itself as your skin does.

The acid in sparkling drinks isn’t the only problem when it comes to your teeth. Many of these drinks also have a high level of acidity, which can further damage your tooth enamel. In addition, the sugar in these drinks can feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to cavities.

How to Protect Your Teeth If You Do Drink Sparkling Drinks

If you enjoy fizzy beverages, there are a few things you can do to protect your teeth.

• Drink them in moderation. Too much of any kind of drink can be bad for your teeth.
• Enjoy the sparkling drink with a meal, which will help protect your teeth from the acidity.
• Use a straw. This will help to keep the drink away from your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after enjoying a sparkling drink. This will help to remove any acids that may be left on your teeth.
• Brush your teeth regularly and floss daily. This will help to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly. They can help to identify any problems with your teeth and give you tips on how to take care of them.

The Best Fizzy Drinks

If you are still wanting to enjoy a fizzy beverage, there are a couple to choose from that aren’t too harsh on your smile. Try to opt for sparkling water over sugary drinks. However, it’s important to be mindful of what’s in your sparkling water. The American Dental Association explains that citrus-flavored waters often have higher acid levels that does increase the risk of damage to your enamel. Plan to enjoy these in one sitting or with meals. This way, you aren’t sipping it throughout the day and exposing your teeth over and over again to the slightly higher level of acid it contains.

The Importance of Caring for Dental Health

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. To ensure that your teeth remain healthy for as long as possible, it is important to take care of them by brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly.

It’s also important to watch what you eat and drink. Foods and drinks that are  high in sugar can contribute to tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks can also break down the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities and other problems.

To keep your teeth healthy, be sure to:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Stay hydrated with plain water
• Chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow
• Limit sugary snacks
• Use dental products that contain fluoride, such as mouthwash

Protect Your Teeth with Stonebrook Family Dental

No matter what you drink, it’s important to take care of your teeth. At Stonebrook Family Dental, we can help you to keep your smile healthy and happy. We offer a variety of dental services, from preventive care to restorative treatments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.