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Sparkling Water May Not Be As Good For You As You Think

Plain water is probably still your best bet.

We're all hooked on sparkling water, but apparently there are downsides to that too.

Many of us have switched to Perrier or club soda in lieu of pop, but both the carbonation and the sodium content could still be bad news for your health.

Carbon dioxide, the ingredient that causes the drink to fizz, turns into carbonic acid inside your mouth, making it more acidic.

And that acid can slowly wear away your tooth enamel, Chicago dentist Dr. Gene Romo, who is also a consumer advisor for the American Dental Association, told Today.

On the plus side, soda water tends to be less acidic than pop, found Atlantic writer Olga Khazan, as long as you leave out the flavourings.

A 2001 study also found that sparkling water had a much lower impact on dental erosion than drinks like Coke.

But it's somehow way more satisfying than regular water!

But club soda in particular also often has high levels of sodium, which won't help quench your thirst. One 473 ml bottle contains around 100 milligrams of sodium — which is 15 per cent of the daily recommended intake for an adult 14 to 50 years old.

Those bubbles that make it so refreshing can also cause stomach issues like bloating or gas, and make acid reflux worse, gastroenterologist Dr Simon Anderson told the Daily Mail.

One common belief about carbonated water can at least be debunked — turns out there's no evidence that it contributes to osteoporosis by stopping your body from absorbing calcium.

But if you're worried about your teeth in particular, dentist Dr. Mark Burhenne says San Pellegrino has a more neutral pH level than Perrier. He also suggests eating foods like cheese, fruits and vegetables and even licorice to build strong, healthy chompers.

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