What You Need to Know About Drinking Carbonated Water
Nowadays, people have been making more conscious decisions to live healthier lives, forgoing their love for sugary soda to carbonated alternatives like sparkling water. As good as that might sound, there’s more to understand that may have you rethinking this decision.
Firstly, a human’s tooth enamel contains hydroxyapatite—a compound that dissolves in water over time. This procedure forms calcium, hydroxyl ions, and phosphate. When you drink any form of liquid without these components, your teeth then release enamel to fill in the gaps.
The process is called demineralization, which can significantly affect your teeth. When your tooth’s enamel undergoes considerable erosion, it could result in major issues concerning your oral health.
Keep reading below to learn more about the connection between carbonated water and demineralization.
Drinks That Cause Demineralization
The common beverages that have high acidity levels include juices, sodas, and coffee. Unflavored and unsweetened carbonated water, such as sparkling water, bubbly water, fizzy water, and seltzer water, all contain less acidic effects—making them much better for your teeth as well.
When you consume any drink, keep in mind that the lower their pH level, the higher their acidity. As a result, it will cause harm to your teeth over time, impacting your teeth and requiring you to see a dentist for immediate treatment.
How Carbonated Water Affects Your Teeth
A carbonated beverage produces carbonic acid in its liquid. This alone doesn’t always lead to damaged teeth, but some drinks—like club soda, for example—have various additives that can impact the level of acidity and lead to the corrosion of your tooth’s enamel.
What Is Considered a Safe pH Level?
You will know when a beverage is safe to drink when its pH levels are neutral, ranging between six and eight. However, if the liquid contains pH levels lower than four, it is categorized as highly erosive, which can lead to demineralization.
Take note that regular water you find yourself drinking every day has an acidity level of seven, so it falls under neutral pH levels. That proves that plain water will not damage your teeth and oral health, unlike other carbonated drinks.
Signs You’re Experiencing Tooth Decay
It can be relatively easy to figure out if your oral health is deteriorating and you’re experiencing tooth decay. You know when you need to visit an emergency dentist when you’re undergoing any of the following:
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs whenever you eat or drink hot or cold food and beverages, such as ice cream, coffee, and soup. You may tend to feel discomfort or pain each time these substances make contact with your teeth.
Tooth Discoloration
When you notice one or more of your teeth begin to change color and produce a more yellow, brown, or other darker shade, then you’re experiencing tooth discoloration. Brushing or flossing your teeth may not be enough in this case, and you will require a cosmetic dentist’s help to offer you teeth whitening treatments.
Other Tooth Concerns
Besides facing tooth sensitivity and discoloration, you can also undergo various concerns involving your oral health. It could lead to uncommon developments that can occur in your teeth, gums, or jaw.
Conclusion
Carbonated water may not immediately be your best option, but they are still the preferable option as compared to consuming soda or coffee. When you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and other oral concerns due to the drinks you’re regularly taking, you should see a dentist right away to handle your situation. If you want to remain on the safe side, the best thing you can do is stick to drinking regular water to keep yourself hydrated and healthy at all times!
Are you looking for the best dentist in Charlotte, NC, to help maintain your oral hygiene? Charlotte NC Dentist is an online directory where you can discover local dentists near you to address your oral needs. Browse through our directory today to get in touch with a dentist near you!
