Does Carbonated Water Cause Tooth Decay?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Dear Monica, I love your show! Per your recommendation, I bought the SodaStream machine. When I brought it home and explained my new plan to minimize my carbon footprint, my wife said “That’s great, but don’t you know soda causes tooth decay?” Does carbonated water alone have any effect on tooth enamel?
Daniel
Dear Daniel,
Most soft drinks are hard on tooth enamel because they are very acidic. The pH of cola, for example, is about 3.0. (Vinegar is about 2.5.) To answer your question, I tested the pH of some plain water, then carbonated it with the SodaStream machine, and retested it. The pH was unchanged! Both were about 6.5, or close to neutral.
From my little experiment, I would conclude that carbonated water is no rougher on your tooth enamel than plain water. So, enjoy your SodaStream machine in good (dental) health!
Sparkling Water image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.