Why Does Sparkling Water Make My Teeth Hurt?

Sparkling or still? You can walk through any grocery store today and see shelves full of flavored sparkling water. From lemon to cherry and everything in between, sparkling water is a good way to cut out soda and get in your water for the day. However, sparkling water is a lot like soda in regards to the acidity found in the drink. Our teeth are strong, but are they strong enough to handle sparkling water? 

Fizz and Your Teeth

Many people like carbonated beverages and enjoy the fizz that accompanies it. However, due to this, you’re more likely to experience sensitivity after consuming these kinds of beverages. Is the fizz putting you at risk for tooth problems? Here’s what you need to know. 

First off, research has shown that plain sparkling water isn’t much different than regular bottled or tap water. However, the flavor of water you enjoy could be adding more acidity. MouthHealthy by the American Dental Association explains that it’s important to be mindful of what exactly is in your sparkling water. Citrus flavors have higher acid levels that increases the damage done to your enamel. 

Citrus juices like orange juice, while healthy for our immune systems and much more, are extremely damaging to our teeth because they’re loaded with acidity. In fact, citrus juices like lemon and lime are said to be comparable to the acidity of battery acid. 

The Tooth

Each tooth is made up of four dental tissues. These include three hard tissues, which are the dentin, cementum, and enamel. It also includes one soft tissue, which is the pulp. 

The tissue most affected by acidic food and drinks is the enamel. The enamel is a hard, calcified tissue that covers the dentin in the crown of the tooth. Since the enamel isn’t made up of any living cells, tooth enamel cannot repair damage from acidic drinks, decay, or even from just wear over time. 

Dangers of Acidic Drinks

Most popular drinks are highly acidic. Drinks with low pH levels can harm your oral health in a number of ways, but when it begins to eat away at the enamel, it becomes destroyed and won’t grow back. 

When your tooth enamel erodes, the sensitive dentin found below it is then exposed to everything you eat and drink. Not only does the exposed dentin cause your teeth to look stained and yellow, but it also makes your teeth much more sensitive. People who have this kind of sensitivity, Colgate explains, will experience pain when they eat or drink things that are hot, cold, sweet, acidic, or even spicy. 

Taking Care of Your Enamel

The best thing you can do for your enamel is to begin to care for it before there are problems with your teeth, like tooth sensitivity. To best protect your enamel, follow these dentist-approved tips from Dr. Varley:

• Brush twice a day, for two minutes each time 
• Floss once a day to remove any food from in-between the teeth
• Use fluoride! 
• Rinse your mouth with water only right after consuming acidic foods or drinks (do not brush immediately after. Your teeth will be in a vulnerable state after coming in contact with the acidity, so brushing right after consuming can hurt your teeth further)

What Does a Dentist Do to Repair Enamel? 

Though you can’t repair your enamel on your own, a dentist can help. Dr. Varley can repair your tooth’s enamel with dental bonding, which is where a tooth-colored resin is applied to your tooth over the weakened portion.  

Another way to repair enamel is to cover the front of the tooth with porcelain veneers. Dr. Varley offers custom-made veneers that are designed specifically to your mouth and bonded into place to protect the sensitive areas of your teeth. 

The last way Dr. Varley can repair eroded enamel is with the use of crowns, which is a cap that is placed over your tooth completely, which helps rid the pain caused by the weakened enamel. 

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental and Dr. Varley 

Dr. Varley is a family dentist in Aurora, Colorado and is here for you and your family’s needs. If you’ve had one too many sparkling beverages and your enamel is feeling it, call our office at (303)-872-7907. Whether it’s minor and you just need to practice better care at home, or if you need a more long-term solution like bondings, veneers, or crowns, Dr. Varley will ensure you receive the best possible care. Make an appointment now!