Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?
Plain, unsweetened sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth. Carbonation makes it slightly more acidic than still water, but in lab testing it dissolved enamel far less than soft drinks did. Flavored sparkling waters are different. Citrus flavors in particular can be about as acidic as fruit juice, and any version with added sugar is a sugary drink.
What does the research show?
The most useful study is a lab study from the University of Birmingham in the UK. Researchers exposed extracted human teeth and powdered tooth mineral to still and sparkling mineral waters and to common soft drinks. Sparkling waters dissolved slightly more mineral than still waters, but the amounts were very low, roughly a hundredth of what the soft drinks dissolved. Removing the bubbles lowered it a little more, which suggests the carbonation itself isn't the main concern. [1] The ADA describes this kind of research when it says sparkling water is generally fine. [3]
The same group then tested flavored sparkling waters. Every one was acidic (pH about 2.7 to 3.3) and, in the lab, about as erosive as pure orange juice or more so. [2] The fruit acids added for flavor, usually citric acid, made the difference.
Both studies were done in the lab, not in people's mouths. Saliva, how long a drink stays in your mouth and what you eat with it all change the effect in real life. They still give a clear picture: plain is low-risk, and flavored should be treated like juice. Lab results are easy to over-read; a study on red wine compounds is a good example, explained in is red wine good for your teeth?
How can I enjoy sparkling water and protect my teeth?
Choose plain or lightly flavored without citric acid when you can. Check the ingredients for citric acid and added sugar.
Have flavored versions with meals rather than sipping one can after another through the day.
Treat sweetened sparkling drinks as soda. Added sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities.
Make tap water your first choice. In Jacksonville, JEA's water contains fluoride that occurs naturally in the Floridan aquifer. Our post on fluoride toothpaste and Jacksonville water explains what that means for your teeth.
Wait about an hour to brush after acidic drinks, so softened enamel can reharden. [4]
What if my teeth are already sensitive or worn?
If cold or acidic drinks make your teeth twinge, see our post on foods to avoid with sensitive teeth. Worn, sensitive or yellowing edges can be signs of acid erosion. At a comprehensive dental examination we can check for wear and talk through your drinks and habits. Call our office at 904-398-1549 or contact us.
Sources
Parry J, Shaw L, Arnaud MJ, Smith AJ. Investigation of mineral waters and soft drinks in relation to dental erosion. J Oral Rehabil. 2001;28(8):766-772. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2842.2001.00795.x (retrieved via PubMed)
Brown CJ, Smith G, Shaw L, Parry J, Smith AJ. The erosive potential of flavoured sparkling water drinks. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2007;17(2):86-91. doi:10.1111/j.1365-263X.2006.00784.x (retrieved via PubMed)
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. The truth about sparkling water and your teeth. Accessed October 6, 2026.
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Dietary acids and your teeth. Accessed October 6, 2026.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.