Sugar-free carbonated water... Drinking it like water may lead to such health issues.

I also really like sparkling water, and I usually drink at least one bottle a day...

Mentally, it feels like there are no calories... that's probably why.

The sharp carbonation is also quite nice.

 

However... here... there is such a writing.

Drinking carbonated water like regular water can lead to such health issues...

I was taken aback just by seeing the title for a moment..

 

 

Be cautious with sparkling water... I think you should watch and drink carefully.

To protect your dental health...

 

Please read the related article.

 

 

 

 

Sparkling water has no calories, so many dieters choose it as a substitute for carbonated drinks. Because it contains almost no sugar or calories, you can enjoy the refreshing sensation of carbonated beverages. However, just because it is easy to drink does not mean it should be treated the same as water. Drinking it casually like water can potentially have negative effects on the body. In particular, there is a higher risk of dental health issues caused by sparkling water, so caution is necessary.

On the surface of human teeth, there is a substance commonly called enamel, also known as 'enamel'. Enamel is an opaque white, hard substance that covers the surface of the gums and protects the dentin. Enamel is highly susceptible to acidity, and begins to demineralize when the acidity level in the mouth drops below pH 5.5. A pH of around 5.5 is similar to the ideal acidity level of skin, which is very mildly acidic.
 
Pure water with a neutral (middle) property has a pH of 7. Carbonated water is a beverage made by injecting carbon dioxide (carbonic acid) into water, and depending on the product, it exhibits acidity with a pH of approximately 3 to 5. In other words, unlike regular water, carbonated water has an acidity level that can dissolve enamel. When enamel is dissolved by carbonated water, components such as calcium and phosphates leach out of the teeth, creating small holes on the surface of the teeth.
 
As a hole forms, the enamel is damaged and begins to decay. In fact, a past study showed that soaking teeth in carbonated water for about 30 minutes caused the enamel to start decaying. Additionally, after eating, debris tends to remain inside the hole, creating a favorable environment for cavities to develop.
 
Carbonated water with added citrus scents such as lime and lemon, which gives it a fruity flavor, is likely to have a stronger acidity due to citric acid (citric acid), so special caution is required.

Fortunately, through a few simple practices, you can reduce the risk of cavities when consuming carbonated water. The suggested measures are as follows.

1. Reduce the contact area of teeth by using a straw when drinking carbonated water
2. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking carbonated water
3. Drink sparkling water and brush your teeth 30 minutes later

HiDoc Dental Consultant Dr. Huh Ji-hyun (Hello Dental Clinic) stated, "The carbonation in sparkling water accelerates tooth decay, so brushing is necessary even if there are no sugars." She also recommended brushing after consuming carbonated water. However, she added, "Since the teeth become acidic due to carbonation, brushing immediately can wear down the tooth surface, so it is better to wait 30 minutes before brushing," providing a cautionary note.

Drinking carbonated water can increase the acidity in the stomach and esophagus beyond the oral cavity. If you experience indigestion, bloating, or a feeling of fullness after drinking carbonated water, it is recommended to avoid consuming it. This is because severe symptoms can trigger gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn. Additionally, patients suffering from such gastrointestinal conditions should refrain from drinking carbonated water.
 
Sparkling water with artificial sweeteners can negatively affect gut microbiota and interfere with nutrient absorption if consumed excessively, potentially harming gut health. Therefore, when consuming sparkling water, it is important to maintain appropriate intake levels along with healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

 

 

Article by Choi Jae-a, HiDoc Health and Medical Reporter (hidoceditor@mcircle.biz)
Help = Dr. Heo Ji-hyun, a consulting doctor at HiDoc (Hello Dental Clinic, Dental Specialist)