We love fruit-flavored sparkling water and juices. But they may not love your teeth

My childhood home always had seltzer in the refrigerator.

Not a colorful can of flavored sparkling water that we see today, rather my transplanted New York father arranged delivery of blue glass bottles that delivered a sparkling stream of cold clear seltzer. Another fact, and this is a sad one, I have problematic teeth. I didn’t give this connection much thought until my friend Susan asked me if sparkling water is bad for your teeth.

The outer structure of teeth is enamel. It is the hardest structure in the body. Enamel starts breaking down in the presence of acid. Acidic content is measured by Ph. The lower the Ph, the more acidic. The Ph of saliva ranges between 5.5-6.5. Anything with a Ph below 5.5 begins to enable enamel damage.

Water gets its sparkle by being treated with carbon dioxide, which then creates carbonic acid, a weak acid. Water has a Ph of 7, plain sparkling water has a Ph of 6 and with added fruit flavor it might drop to 5. Most fruit juices have a Ph between 3-4 and sugared soda can be as low as 2.4. Flavored sugar-free sparkling water is mildly acidic but is it harmful?

The American Dental Association states “though sparkling water is slightly more acidic than ordinary water, it’s all just water to your teeth.” This pertains to unflavored sparkling water.

If you have teeth like mine, it would be advisable to not be drinking flavored seltzer all day. The same can be said for juices. If 1-2 cans of flavored sparkling water doesn’t do it for you, use a straw for more. This minimizes contact of the water with your teeth. Or rinse your mouth with water after drinking.

Have your sparkling beverage with a meal as the other foods neutralize the mild acidity. Saliva helps neutralize an acid environment so avoid a dry mouth. You’ve heard it before but I’ll say it again — moderation is the answer.

Sheah Rarback MS,RDN is a registered dietitian in private practice in Miami.