Science Affirms: Sparkling Water is a Healthier Choice for Teeth Than Soda
For those who love their fizzy drinks, there’s some good news. A recent study presented at NUTRITION 2026 (July 25–28, National Harbor, Maryland) has offered compelling evidence that unsweetened sparkling water is a much healthier choice for your teeth compared to sugary sodas.
The study, led by Wajiha Zulfiqar, a graduate student in Nutrition Science at Purdue University, examined how different beverages affect the mouth’s acidity (pH) levels in real time. The critical threshold for dental damage is a mouth pH below 5.5. At this point, tooth enamel begins to dissolve. The research discovered that although sparkling water does momentarily lower oral pH, the impact is significantly less harsh and short-lived than that caused by soda.
Importantly, the study found that after consuming both sparkling water and soda, saliva quickly restored the mouth’s pH to safe levels — keeping it above the enamel-damaging threshold. The researchers also highlighted that the real-world risk depends on factors such as frequency of consumption, duration of exposure, and sugar content.
“Many people are switching from soda to sparkling water, and our findings suggest that unsweetened sparkling water may be a lower-risk alternative to soda, when consumed in moderation and alongside good oral hygiene practices,” said Zulfiqar. The team plans follow-up studies to explore sparkling water’s long-term effects on gum and overall oral health. For now, beauty and wellness fans can sip their bubbly water with greater confidence.
Source: ScienceDaily – Purdue University / NUTRITION 2026, July 27, 2026