Drinking seltzer can lead to oral health problems down the road, a new report claims. While unflavored carbonated water has developed a cult following over the years, the new study can make these fans think twice.
According to the Antlantic, unflavored carbonated water can damage the tooth enamel over time. This is bad news for those who drink this in lieu of soda. The report claimed that seltzer water involve carbon dioxide being dissolved into regular water to provide the bubbles. While much healthier than diabetes-causing soda, seltzer water still contains carbonic acid. This acid can eventually wear on the tooth enamel and can cause tooth erosion.
Atlantic's report was largely based on a 2007 study. Fortunately, the study did highlight that drinking seltzer water will not immediately cause tooth enamel damage, if at all, since the levels of corrosion is very low. It will take a lot of sparkling water just to make the teeth enamel start eroding.
Atlantic also allayed fears by contacting Andrew Swiatowicz, a dentist in Wilmington, Delaware, who said seltzer drinks should not be their main concern if they are serious about maintaining good oral health. "For an average, healthy person, carbonated, sugar-free beverages are not going to be a main cavity-causing factor," he said. "If you are at all concerned, you can always dilute the carbonated water with regular water, or even just swish with regular water after."
Huffington Post subsequently assured that seltzer water is still so much healthier than other drinks. First, it is not likely to cause diabetes compared to soda. It is also not likely to cause obesity. These two problems are much worse to contend with that the idea of losing teeth in the future, which all people might have to deal with one day or another anyway.