Harm of carbonated water: Myths and reality

For many, health change starts with food and drink. For example, by eating less sugar and more vegetables and water. Is carbonated water harmful? Hydration is important for the body. It contributes to the regulation of temperature, the transport of nutrients and the removal of decay products. Water also acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints. Although people know to drink more water, they also crave other drinks, such as sparkling water. It seems that soda is safe, but it is not entirely true.

Carbonated water is filled with carbon dioxide. This creates carbonic acid with an acidic pH of 3 to 4. The “good feeling” in your mouth that you get when you sip actually activates the tongue’s pain receptors. The receptors react to this acid, which gives the soda a specific flavor.

Harm of carbonated water for teeth
The acid in carbonated drinks can damage your teeth. Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. It is composed of hydroxyapatite, a mineral that contains phosphate and calcium. Saliva also contains phosphate and calcium. There is also a balance between the minerals in the tooth and the minerals in the saliva. The mouth and saliva usually have a pH of 6 to 7. But when the pH drops below 5.5, phosphate and calcium molecules are released into the saliva from the teeth. This reaction is due to carbon dioxide in sparkling water.

This demineralization creates tiny pores in the teeth, causing the enamel to dissolve. Initially, these pores are microscopic and clog up by adding phosphate and calcium back or replacing calcium with fluorine. The fluoride in toothpaste actually works to protect your teeth. But as soon as the amount of lost mineral in the tooth drops to a certain level, the pores are no longer clogged and tooth tissue is lost.

If teeth are frequently exposed to acid from carbonated drinks, then more minerals are dissolved than returned. Thus, there is a risk of tooth erosion and wear. Regular sodas are better for teeth than flavored ones. They have a lower pH. But still it is better to use plain water. Water has a pH of about 7. By the way, carbonated water sometimes contains sodium. Keep this in mind if you need to control your salt intake.

Pure water instead of soda
Carbonated water does not suppress appetite. Despite publications on the Internet, there is no scientific data that says that sparkling water reduces appetite and gives a feeling of satiety. Carbonated water will fill the stomach, but will not stay in it longer than ordinary water.

Even when carbonated water is drunk with a meal, there is no difference in emptying rate compared to non-carbonated water. It is scientifically difficult to measure hunger and satiety. This means that research is based on how people feel. The European Food Safety Authority does not support health claims that are associated with food drinks or foods that claim to increase satiety.

It is recommended to drink 6-8 glasses of liquid per day. In addition to water, this can include low-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, as well as coffee and tea. However, water is a healthier and cheaper product for quenching thirst. Water does not contain calories and sugar, which damages teeth.

Sports, energy and soda drinks almost always contain sugar

Researchers estimate that soft drinks contribute approximately 25% of sugar intake and increase oral acidity. Most sodas do not contain sugar. But not all, so carefully read the composition.

When fluid intake needs to be increased, regular drinking water remains the preferred option. If a glass of water doesn’t work for you, soda can help you stay hydrated and be a tasty alternative. Most importantly, control how often you drink soda to keep your teeth healthy.