Sparkling water contains dissolved CO2, creating a mild acid. Plain sparkling water does not appear to harm bone density and is less erosive to teeth than sugary, flavored, or cola drinks. It can help with some fresh stains, but outcomes vary. To protect teeth, choose unflavored options, use a straw, rinse with water, and delay brushing after drinking.

What is carbonated water?

Carbonated water (also called sparkling water, soda water or seltzer) is simply water with carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolved in it. That CO2 forms a small amount of carbonic acid, which gives the water a faintly tangy taste and effervescence.

Common household uses

Besides drinking, people use club soda and seltzer for quick household fixes. The bubbles and mild acidity can help lift fresh stains from fabric or mugs, and many home-remedy guides recommend sprinkling salt on a red-wine spill and then applying club soda to blot it up. That approach can work for some fresh stains, but results vary by fabric and timing.

Bone health and calcium - what the evidence says

Research over the past two decades finds no consistent link between plain carbonated water and lower bone mineral density. The concerns about soda and bone health most commonly apply to cola beverages that contain phosphoric acid; those have been associated in some studies with lower bone density. For most adults, plain sparkling water does not appear to reduce calcium levels or weaken bones.

Recommended calcium intakes (current U.S. guidelines) are generally 1,000 mg per day for most adults and 1,200 mg per day for women over 50. If you have specific bone-health concerns, talk to your clinician about diet and supplementation.

Teeth: acid matters, but so does sugar

Carbonation produces a weak acid, so sparkling water is somewhat more acidic than still water. Dental erosion happens when enamel is exposed repeatedly to acid below about pH 5.5; sugary and citrus-flavored carbonated drinks are much more erosive because sugar and citric acid add to the acidity and feed decay-causing bacteria. Plain sparkling water is far less damaging than regular soda, fruit juices, and sports drinks.

Practical tips to protect teeth


  • Prefer plain, unflavored sparkling water over sweetened or citrus-flavored versions.


  • Drink with meals and avoid long sipping sessions.


  • Use a straw to reduce contact with front teeth.


  • Rinse with plain water after drinking; wait 30-60 minutes before brushing to avoid brushing softened enamel.


Bottom line


Plain carbonated water is a safe, calorie-free beverage for most people and a useful household rinse for some fresh stains. The bigger dental and bone risks come from sugary, flavored, and cola-type soft drinks, not from unsweetened sparkling water. If you have specific dental or bone concerns, consult your dentist or doctor for personalized guidance.

  1. Confirm current U.S. per-capita carbonated soft drink consumption if including a statistic
  2. Verify typical pH ranges for plain sparkling water and thresholds cited for enamel dissolution
  3. Check peer-reviewed sources on efficacy of salt + club soda for red-wine stains

FAQs about Carbonated Water

Does sparkling water cause osteoporosis?
No clear evidence links plain carbonated water to osteoporosis. Studies that show bone effects usually involve cola-type sodas with phosphoric acid, not unsweetened sparkling water.
Is sparkling water bad for my teeth?
Plain sparkling water is slightly acidic but far less damaging than sugary sodas, juices, or citrus-flavored carbonated drinks. To minimize risk, avoid prolonged sipping, use a straw, and rinse with water afterward.
Will club soda remove red wine stains?
Club soda or seltzer can help lift some fresh red-wine stains - often recommended after blotting and sometimes combined with salt - but effectiveness depends on fabric and how quickly you act. Results are variable.
How much calcium do adults need?
U.S. guidelines generally recommend about 1,000 mg of calcium daily for most adults and about 1,200 mg daily for women over 50. Discuss individual needs with your healthcare provider.
Are flavored sparkling waters worse than plain ones?
Yes. Added sugars or acids (like citric acid used for fruit flavors) increase acidity and erosion risk. Unsweetened, unflavored sparkling water is the least erosive option.

News about Carbonated Water

Radnor Hills launches new flavoured sparkling water brand - conveniencestore.co.uk [Visit Site | Read More]

Radnor Hills extends its portfolio and launches a new soft drink - Talking Retail [Visit Site | Read More]

Radnor Hills launches new carbonated soft drink range, Radnor Spring - FoodBev Media [Visit Site | Read More]

Healthy choices: 5 sugar-free drinks that support stable blood sugar - RBC-Ukraine [Visit Site | Read More]

The Grocer’s New Product & Packaging Awards 2025: Fizzy & sparkling drinks - The Grocer [Visit Site | Read More]

9 of the best sparkling water makers to buy - Good Food [Visit Site | Read More]

8 innovative gifts you didn't know you needed - Stamford Advocate [Visit Site | Read More]