Is Sparkling Water Bad for Your Teeth?
Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling water putting you at risk for tooth decay? Because any drink with carbonation—including sparkling water—has a higher acid level, some reports have questioned whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form).
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.
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.
Dr. CJ Henley: Recognized as a Top Dentist in Jacksonville
Congratulations to both Dr. Henley and Dr. Kelly for being voted one of Jacksonville's Top Doctors, again!
Dr. CJ Henley has been named one of Jacksonville's Top Doctors by Jacksonville Magazine more than once, including in 2017, when this blog announced that he had been selected again. That recognition sits alongside his training, his professional leadership and the work patients can see for themselves, all described below.
What does a Top Doctors listing tell you?
A list like this is one piece of information about a dentist. It reflects one publication's selection process. It cannot tell you whether a particular treatment is right for you. That still comes from an examination, a clear explanation of your options and a plan you understand.
What do patients get from a dentist they can check?
I would rather patients judge my work by things they can see and ask about:
How the evaluation is done. New patients have a two-hour first visit, normally an hour with me and an hour in hygiene, so there is time to listen before planning anything.
How decisions are explained. You should hear what is known, what is uncertain, the reasonable alternatives and what each one costs to maintain over time.
The work itself. Our before and after gallery and case studies show treatment from this office, along with the planning decisions behind it.
Who is involved. I serve on the Head and Neck Tumor Board at Baptist MD Anderson and coordinate with physicians when a patient's medical care affects dental treatment.
Dr. Henley's training and professional service
Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of Florida, with recognition in ethics and cosmetic dentistry.
Past President of the Northeast District Dental Association and a Delegate to the American Dental Association.
Faculty service in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
Member of the American Academy of Oral Medicine and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Membership in an academy is not a specialty credential.
These details match the Meet Dr. Henley page.
From our 2017 announcement
In November 2017, the practice congratulated Dr. Henley and Dr. J. Craig Kelly, who practiced together at the time as Henley & Kelly, on being selected for Jacksonville's Top Doctors again. The announcement described a shared belief that technology supports good dentistry but does not replace diagnosis and clinical skill, and that the measure of dental work is how long it lasts rather than how quickly it is done. That is still how Dr. Henley practices.
At the time, Dr. Henley served as Secretary of the Northeast District Dental Association and as an Alternate Delegate to the Florida Dental Association. He has since served as the association's President.
Visit our Jacksonville office
Our office is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, near San Marco. The practice is guided by general dentistry, with a focus on cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. New patients can start with our new-patient information, or call 904-398-1549.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.
Sources
Jacksonville Magazine, Top Doctors.