Does sparkling water harm teeth? Early study finds far less acid effect than soda, back to normal within 20 minutes
Purdue University researchers had 20 adults drink sugary soda, sparkling water, calcium-fortified sparkling water and plain water, and tracked mouth pH. Enamel starts to dissolve below pH 5.5. Soda raised mouth acidity the most; both sparkling waters caused only a short dip and were near baseline within 20 minutes. Presented at NUTRITION 2026; not yet peer-reviewed.
What it means for you
Unsweetened sparkling water is a better swap for soda, but sipping it all day keeps teeth in a more acidic mouth for longer.
Editors' take: the background
Enamel starts to dissolve when mouth pH falls below 5.5. After each acidic drink, saliva needs time to neutralise it, so how often and how slowly you sip usually matters more than how much you drink at once.
Erosion is not the same as decay: erosion is acid dissolving enamel directly and happens even without sugar, for example with lemon water or diet fizzy drinks; decay comes from bacteria turning sugar into acid.
Key points
- Swapping soda for unsweetened sparkling water may lower enamel erosion risk
- Avoid sipping any acidic drink over long periods
- Only 20 people and not yet peer-reviewed
Source: American Society for Nutrition NUTRITION 2026 (via ScienceDaily)
This is a news summary written by our editors, not medical advice. Please refer to the original source and seek professional advice for your own situation.
Questions readers ask
Should I brush straight after a fizzy drink?
Enamel is briefly softer after an acidic drink. Rinse with water first and wait a while before brushing to reduce wear.
Does using a straw help?
A straw reduces contact with the front teeth, but the main thing is to drink acidic drinks less often and not sip them slowly over a long time.
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