Fizzy, bubbly drinks can be fun and refreshing, but they’re not so friendly to your smile. If you regularly sip on sparkling water, soda, energy drinks, or other carbonated beverages, you could be putting your teeth at risk for erosion and lasting damage. At Creative Dentistry & Medspa, we help patients throughout Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and the Atlanta area protect and restore their teeth from the effects of dental erosion.
How Carbonated Drinks Cause Tooth Erosion
When you drink something carbonated, you’re exposing your teeth to acids — even if the drink is sugar-free. The bubbles in sparkling beverages come from carbon dioxide, which forms carbonic acid when dissolved in water. On top of that, many sodas, energy drinks, and flavored waters contain citric acid, phosphoric acid, and other acidic ingredients.
Some studies show that while plain sparkling water is considered minimally erosive compared to sports drinks or soda, flavored versions can still significantly affect enamel due to their lower pH levels.
Acids weaken and wear away tooth enamel, the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. Once enamel erodes, it doesn’t grow back. Over time, this can lead to:
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Thinning, translucent teeth
- Yellowing (as the inner dentin becomes exposed)
- Chipping and cracking
- Higher risk of cavities
What You Can Do to Prevent Erosion
You don’t have to give up sparkling drinks entirely — but you do want to be smart about how you enjoy them. Here are some helpful tips:
- Limit frequency: The more often you sip throughout the day, the more prolonged acid exposure your teeth get.
- Use a straw: This helps reduce contact with your teeth.
- Rinse with water: After drinking anything carbonated, swish with plain water to help neutralize acids.
- Wait to brush: Don’t brush immediately after acidic drinks — enamel is temporarily softened. Wait 30–60 minutes.
- Choose less acidic options: Plain sparkling water tends to be less erosive than sweetened or citrus-flavored varieties.
- Checkups: by visiting your nearest Creative Dentistry location for your preventative check ups we are able to identify the risk after for erosion and be able to suggest remineralising options
How We Can Help Repair and Protect Your Smile
If you’ve noticed signs of enamel erosion, we can help restore your teeth and prevent further damage. Some of the treatments we offer include:
- Fluoride treatments: Professional fluoride helps strengthen remaining enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- Dental bonding: We can rebuild worn areas of teeth with tooth-colored resin, improving strength and appearance.
- Porcelain veneers: For more extensive erosion or cosmetic concerns, veneers can beautifully restore your smile.
- Custom nightguards: If erosion is combined with grinding or clenching (common with stress), a nightguard can prevent additional wear.
- Preventive cleanings and checkups: Regular professional care allows us to monitor enamel health and catch problems early.
At Creative Dentistry & Medspa, we take a personalized approach to your dental health. We’ll evaluate your enamel, discuss your beverage habits, and recommend a plan that keeps your smile strong and beautiful.
Concerned About Erosion? Book a Visit!
If you love sparkling drinks but want to protect your teeth — or if you’ve noticed changes in your smile — we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Alpharetta or Sandy Springs locations. We look forward to helping you enjoy a healthy, confident smile for years to come!
Posted on behalf of Creative Dentistry & MedSpa