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 Presented at NUTRITION 2026; not yet peer-reviewed.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.

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• Only 20 people and not yet peer-reviewed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: 美國營養學會 NUTRITION 2026（經 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.