Q: I am constantly drinking seltzer. Is that an issue for my teeth?
For many people, seltzer is a bubbly treat — light, crisp and satisfying. But as the drink has grown more popular, so too have questions about what it’s doing to our teeth.
Seltzers are available in many flavored and alcoholic varieties. While some are essentially just sparkling water, others are closer to sodas. When it comes to the latter, you might be “bathing your teeth in the sugar and acid,” said Dr. Kenneth Allen, vice chair of general dentistry and comprehensive care at New York University. But how you sip your seltzer may be more important than how much you drink, he added.
So we asked experts what to know about seltzer and how best to enjoy it.
The ingredients to watch out for
Seltzers are made by dissolving carbon dioxide into water — a process known as carbonation. This not only gives the drink its fizziness but also creates carbonic acid.
In general, dentists worry about frequent consumption of acidic beverages because it can soften the enamel of your teeth, stripping away minerals that protect against decay.
Added sugars can compound the problem, since bacteria on the teeth feed on them and produce even more acid, contributing to cavities, said Dr. Margherita Fontana, a professor of dentistry at the University of Michigan.
Plain seltzers are only mildly acidic and sugar-free, so they tend to be harmless, she added. However, the flavored versions can be over 100 times more acidic and may contain added sugars, making them more damaging to your teeth.
That’s why it’s best to avoid seltzers that have citric acid or phosphoric acid on their ingredients list, said Dr. André Ritter, dean of University of Washington School of Dentistry, as well as those with cane sugar, fruit concentrate, corn syrup or other added sugars. Hard seltzers deserve some extra scrutiny, since they tend to be flavored and contain alcohol, which is tied to mouth cancer and gum disease. (Still, a 12-ounce hard seltzer is probably no more harmful to your oral health than a 12-ounce beer.)
Fortunately, your saliva helps neutralize acidic beverages and restore minerals to your teeth, Dr. Ritter said. Still, people with dry mouth are more vulnerable to dental issues from acidic drinks, he added. For example, older adults tend to produce less saliva, as well as people with diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Sjogren’s syndrome and those taking certain antidepressants, antihistamines and blood pressure drugs. That doesn’t mean they can’t have seltzer, but they should be more cautious about how they drink, Dr. Ritter said.
A few ways to be gentler on your teeth
Whether seltzer is a healthy choice depends largely on what it’s replacing. “I put water first, I put seltzer second, I put soda three steps down,” Dr. Allen said. But consumed in moderation, seltzer is really nothing to worry about.
Still, you can take a few simple steps to reduce the risk of dental harm. Most importantly, reduce the time that you’re exposing your teeth to acid and sugar, Dr. Allen said. In other words, avoid swishing seltzers in your mouth, drinking a lot of them or even sipping on one throughout the day.
Having seltzer with meals can also help because, when you’re eating, your body produces more saliva, which can better neutralize acid, Dr. Ritter said. Using a straw can also help, since it allows the seltzer to bypass your teeth, he added, as does drinking water afterward to wash away any acidic residue.
Experts say that it’s also smart to wait 30 minutes after drinking seltzers — particularly the flavored versions — before brushing. Since acidic drinks soften the enamel, you can increase the damage by immediately brushing, Dr. Allen said. Waiting helps your saliva restore your teeth’s strength.
And if you really love seltzer or you’re worried about erosion and cavities, talk to your dentist. They can spot early signs of trouble before symptoms appear and prescribe special kinds of toothpaste if necessary, Dr. Ritter said.
Seltzers, however, aren’t a big worry for dentists, and most people don’t need to overthink them. “Just have your drink,” Dr. Fontana said. “Enjoy it. That’s not a problem.”
Simar Bajaj covers health and wellness for The Times.
The post Is Drinking Seltzer Bad for My Teeth? appeared first on New York Times.
