July 28, 2026, 11:14 am | Read time: 6 minutes
As a devoted sparkling water drinker, this news initially surprised me: A new study is investigating whether carbonation can attack tooth enamel. But is there really any truth to this persistent myth? We take a look at what the current study shows, what previous research has already found, and what this means for our teeth.
New Study Examines Impact on Oral Health
The question of whether sparkling water can actually attack tooth enamel has occupied researchers for many years. Recently, new data has emerged: At the annual meeting of the Nutrition 2026 of the American Society for Nutrition, the results of a small study involving 20 adults were presented.1
Participants drank four different beverages in succession: sugary soda, regular sparkling water, calcium-enriched sparkling water, and still water.
Subsequently, the pH level of saliva was measured multiple times to realistically capture how the mouth reacts immediately to different drinks. We’ll take a closer look later at why this pH level is important.
The Results Sound Reassuring at First
Unsurprisingly, the sugary soda caused the most significant drop in pH level. Unsweetened sparkling water also temporarily lowered the level, but much less dramatically. After about 20 minutes, the pH level of both types of sparkling water had largely returned to normal.
Throughout the measurement, the pH level remained above the range where tooth enamel is typically attacked. Researchers believe unsweetened sparkling water could be a tooth-friendlier alternative to sugary soft drinks–provided it is consumed in moderation and good oral hygiene is maintained.
Results Should Be Viewed with Caution
Before everyone declares the sparkling water maker the new hero of the kitchen, a closer look is worthwhile. The currently presented results do not come from a published and peer-reviewed study. So far, the data has only been presented at a professional conference.
Additionally, only 20 adults participated in the study, and only short-term changes in saliva pH were measured. Whether regular sparkling water consumption over months or years affects tooth enamel cannot be deduced from this. In short: The study provides interesting insights–but no definitive answers yet.
What Exactly Is Carbonation?
Now a brief digression on what carbonation is before we look at previous studies on this topic. The typical fizz in sparkling water technically comes not from carbonic acid, but mainly from dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂). When you open the bottle, the gas escapes, bubbles rise–and it fizzes.
Some mineral waters naturally contain carbon dioxide, especially in volcanic regions. However, it is usually added during bottling.
By the way: Terms like “Medium,” “Classic,” or “Spritzig” are not precisely defined by law. Fizzy mineral water usually contains five to seven grams of carbon dioxide per liter, while Medium contains about two to four grams.2
What Previous Studies Have Already Shown
As early as 2001, researchers compared various mineral waters with soft drinks regarding their potential to attack tooth enamel. The result was clearly in favor of mineral water. Carbonated mineral water did lead to slightly higher mineral loss than still water, but the difference was relatively small. Compared to soft drinks, mineral water performed significantly better.3
Additionally, many mineral waters contain calcium, magnesium, or bicarbonate. Calcium, in particular, can help limit mineral loss from tooth enamel.
Those who think lemon or berry sparkling water is just as harmless should take a closer look. A study published in 2007 showed that flavored mineral waters can have a significantly higher potential for tooth erosion than pure carbonated mineral water.4
The reason lies mainly in the additional acids like citric acid. Therefore, sugar-free does not automatically mean tooth-friendly. Even without sugar, added acids can burden tooth enamel. A look at the ingredient list is therefore worthwhile.
Why the pH Level Suddenly Becomes Interesting
Our tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Yet even it is not invulnerable. Acids, in particular, can affect it. Dentists often cite a pH level of about 5.5 as the critical threshold. If the level in the mouth falls below this, minerals can gradually dissolve from the tooth enamel. However, this does not mean that every sip of a slightly acidic drink immediately causes damage.
For comparison: Still water usually has a nearly neutral pH level of seven. Pure carbonated mineral water often ranges between five and six. Cola or many sodas, on the other hand, reach levels between two and three–and from a dental perspective, they play in a completely different league.
Additionally, soft drinks often contain sugar and acids like citric acid or phosphoric acid. This combination makes them significantly more problematic than pure sparkling water.
The Mouth Has a Natural Defense Mechanism
The good news: The body helps itself to some extent here. Saliva performs several important functions in the mouth. It dilutes acids, contributes to their neutralization, and provides minerals like calcium and phosphate needed for the remineralization of tooth enamel.
Therefore, a single glass of sparkling water usually poses no significant risk to dental hard tissue. Saliva can typically return the temporarily lowered pH level to the neutral range within a short time.
This is particularly relevant for people with reduced saliva flow, such as due to certain medications or illnesses. In their case, acids can act on the tooth surface for longer.
Also interesting: 9 Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth
Not Just the Drink Matters, but Also Drinking Habits
One thing is particularly surprising: For teeth, it’s not only important what is drunk, but also how.
Better a Glass Than Constant Sipping
Those who take small sips over hours significantly extend the acid contact with the teeth. It is more tooth-friendly to drink sparkling water with a meal or within a shorter period. A few sips of still water afterward can also help dilute acid residues in the mouth.
Better to Wait After Drinking
After consuming acidic drinks, patience is required. Acids can temporarily roughen tooth enamel. If brushed immediately afterward, the tooth surface can be additionally stressed.
It is recommended to wait about 30 minutes before brushing teeth. During this time, saliva can raise the pH level in the mouth again and support the natural remineralization of tooth enamel. Afterward, teeth can be brushed as usual with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps make tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks.
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Why Athletes Often Have Bad Teeth — and What Helps
Who Should Be a Bit More Cautious?
For most people, there is little reason against a glass of sparkling water based on current knowledge. However, people with already damaged tooth enamel, exposed tooth necks, or permanently reduced saliva flow should be a bit more cautious. Acids can also linger longer in hard-to-reach areas with braces.5
For these groups, still water may be the better choice. If unsure or with already sensitive teeth, consulting with a dentist is recommended.
Conclusion: No Reason to Give Up Sparkling Water
Anyone who feared from the headline that they would have to give up sparkling water can likely breathe a sigh of relief.
Based on current knowledge, there is little evidence that pure carbonated mineral water seriously harms teeth in typical amounts. Drinks with a lot of sugar or added acids–and the habit of sipping them all day–are much more problematic.