In an effort to reduce the amount of soda and sugar, many people are switching to sparkling water or seltzer. The carbon dioxide pumped into the water to make it fizz can have a downside because it makes the drink more acidic.
Water has a pH of 7, which is neutral on the pH scale of 0 to 14. Club soda and carbonated mineral water have a pH of 5 which is heading toward the acidic range. Flavored sparkling waters can have a pH of 3 to 4 which can erode tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity and discoloration. A pH of 2 to 3 can be extremely erosive to teeth. Colas are about 2.4 pH.
The good news is that if you drink sparkling
water with food the pH will head back toward the neutral range. It is wise not
to sip bubbly water all day. Sparkling water is less acidic and less sugary
than soda but it is still wise not to overdo it.
