[Photographs: Vicky Wasik] // image via web[/caption]
Have you heard the latest health & wellness hype that sparkling waters are bad for your teeth? You may have sworn off your Coke and Diet Coke addictions for the good of your health, but if you've switched to flavored waters like La Croix, you might not be making such a great health decision, either.
- Drinking flavored sparkling water might make your teeth more susceptible to cavities, dentists say.
- The bubbles and the flavoring make the drinks more acidic, which can erode your tooth enamel.
- But sparkling drinks are less acidic than sodas, so you're OK as long as you drink them in moderation.
Dr. Clark's take: "CO2 is pumped into soda water and when it dissolves into the liquid it combines with Hydrogen to make Carbonic Acid. It is mild-moderately acidic. So in the absence of sugars, its only mildly damaging. I tell people to avoid soda at all costs, but carbonated, sugar-free beverages can be used in moderation with little to no damage."
Helpful hint: minimize the amount of time the flavored water is touching your teeth. That means it's safer to chug than to slowly sip throughout the day, stick to the stuff during meals and not without food, and don't hold the water in your mouth before you swallow. And of course, make sure you're drinking regular, non-flavored water throughout the day, every day, to stay hydrated.