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| Seltzer |
Sparkling water, seltzer and club soda differ only slightly from each other. Seltzers and club sodas are injected with carbon dioxide gas to make them bubbly, however, club soda also has minerals added. Sparkling water is naturally bubbly and has minerals that are naturally from that water source. Sparkling water and club soda may have sodium in small amounts. Usually, all three have zero calories. If "natural flavors" have been added that means the drink also contains fruit flavors, spices or oils.
The important thing to remember when it comes to tooth damage from drinks are the things that need to be present to cause damage in the first place: plaque germs, sugar and acid.
Although sparkling waters, club sodas and seltzers are healthier than sweetened colas and sodas, they are somewhat acidic compared to plain water. If fruit flavorings are added, the nutrition label should be checked for sugar. Plain water with fruit slices or juices added contain sugar and acid from the fruit. Brushing and flossing should be done daily to ensure that the mouth and teeth are as germ-free as possible. Brushing should not be done immediately after drinking an acidic drink. It is best to wait at least 30 minutes.
The best drink for mouth and teeth health is plain water. If the water in your community is fluoridated, that's even better. If you need more pep in your drink, sparkling mineral water, seltzer, club soda or water with some added fruit slices, are healthier alternatives to sugar-sweetened sodas and other beverages like sweet teas or sports drinks.
(Don't make the mistake of grabbing tonic water! Tonic is sometimes used in cocktails. It contains quinine, which tastes bitter and was once used used as a medicine in higher concentrations. Tonic also contains sugars and is high in calories.)
What's your favorite bubbly?
Here's a link to a classic Seinfeld clip "I wanted seltzer, not salsa!": https://youtu.be/evYSwr_D8OU
For more on unhealthy and tooth friendly drinks check out some of my previous posts!
https://mydentalhygienist.blogspot.com/2016/04/soda-skip-it.html
https://mydentalhygienist.blogspot.com/2015/11/you-are-what-you-drink.html
This blog and posts are not intended to diagnose or treat and should not be taken as medical or dental advice. If something is bothering, say something. Your medical and dental professionals can help.
