Tooth enamel can be damaged when the pH level in the mouth becomes too low.
Researchers therefore investigated how four different beverages affect the mouth's pH level.
According to the American Society for Nutrition, as cited by ScienceDaily, 20 adults took part in the study, with each participant testing plain water, sugar-sweetened soft drinks, regular sparkling water, and calcium-fortified sparkling water.
The researchers measured the participants' saliva before and after they consumed each beverage.
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This allowed them to observe how the mouth responded to the different drinks.
The results are preliminary
The study was presented at the NUTRITION 2026 conference. The findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and should therefore be considered preliminary.
The researchers also emphasize that the risk of tooth damage depends on several factors.
These include how often a person drinks, how long the teeth are exposed to the beverage, and whether the beverage contains sugar.
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The key difference
The measurements showed that soft drinks caused the greatest and most prolonged drop in the mouth's pH level.
Both types of unsweetened sparkling water also made the mouth more acidic, but only for a short period.
After approximately 20 minutes, the pH level had almost returned to normal.
Throughout the study, the acidity never fell below the threshold at which tooth enamel typically begins to dissolve.
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Based on these findings, the researchers conclude that unsweetened sparkling water may be a better choice for dental health than sugar-sweetened soft drinks, provided it is consumed in moderation and combined with good oral hygiene.
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