10/08/2026
Getting judged for drinking sparkling water?
Plot twist: If the alternative is soda, you might actually be making the better choice for your teeth.
A recent study presented at NUTRITION 2026 looked at how different beverages affected oral pH. Unsweetened sparkling water caused a smaller and shorter change in oral pH compared with sugar-sweetened soda.
So, no — sparkling water isn’t the dental villain it’s sometimes made out to be.
Of course, plain water is still the gold standard for your teeth. But if you’re choosing between a can of unsweetened sparkling water and a sugary soda? Sparkling water is the better swap.
To the person judging from across the room… you’ve got the receipts.
Source: NUTRITION 2026, Poster No. 811830.