The water with gas is made by infusing water with carbon dioxide. This produces carbonic acid with a weak acidic pH of between three and four. That “feel good” sensation in the mouth that you get after drinking a carbonated drink is, in fact, the chemical activation of the pain receptors in the tongue that respond to this acid, which gives it a more delicious taste. And here is part of the problem, since the acid in drinks can damage our teeth.
The outer layer of our teeth, tooth enamel, is the hardest tissue in the body. It is made of a mineral called hydroxyapatite that contains calcium and phosphate. Saliva is mainly water but it also contains calcium and phosphate.
Usually there is a balance between the minerals of the teeth and the minerals of the saliva. The mouth and saliva normally have a pH of six to seven, but when it drops below five and a half, calcium and phosphate molecules move from the teeth to the saliva. This could happen due to the carbonic acid in fizzy drinks.
Is it good to drink mineral water for the teeth?
This demineralization creates small pores in the mineral of the tooth and the enamel begins to dissolve. Initially, the pores are microscopic and then they can be covered by putting calcium or phosphate back in, or replacing calcium with fluoride; that’s how fluoride works in toothpaste to protect your teeth. But once the amount of lost dental mineral reaches a certain level, the pores can no longer be covered and the dental tissue is lost forever.
If the teeth are bathed with acid from carbonated drinks frequently, more minerals can be dissolved than those that are added again, and there is more risk of wear or erosion of the teeth.
So, even though mineral water is better for the teeth than flavored fizzy drinks (dietary or regular) that have a lower pH, plain water is better: it has a pH of around seven. Of course, the refreshment in the soil is carbonated, but it has some “minerals” added to give it flavor. These can include sodium, so if you are controlling your salt intake, you should also have this in mind.
Which is better, water or mineral water?
It is also worth pointing out that mineral water does not suppress appetite. Despite what you can read online, there is no solid scientific evidence to suggest that drinking sparkling water will make you feel fuller or reduce your appetite. Yes, drinking carbonated water will fill your stomach (probably it will make you burp too), but it will not remain in your stomach for longer than the water does not gas.
Even when drinking mineral water with food or meals, there is no difference in the speed with which the stomach is emptied compared to natural water. Scientifically, it is difficult to measure hambre and satiety, which means that the studies that investigate them are based on or influenced by the personal feelings of people and, naturally, all humans are very different. As a matter of fact, the Autoridad Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria, which provides independent scientific advice on food safety, does not support any declaration of healthy properties related to foods or beverages that are said to increase satiety.
Why is it important to drink more potable water?
The NHS recommends drinking between six and eight glasses of liquid a day. In addition to water, this can also include low-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, together with tea and coffee. Water is a healthy and economical option to quench thirst at any time. It doesn’t have calories, it’s free and it doesn’t contain sugars that can damage your teeth, unlike the large amount of sports, energy and carbonated drinks that flood the shelves of supermarkets.
Of course, if you’re changing sugary refreshments for sparkling water, this is a step in the right direction. Indeed, it is estimated that soft drinks contribute to approximately 25 percent of sugar intake in adults and increase oral acidity. The majority of the waters with gas do not have added sugars, even some of them, so always read the label.
So, when it comes to increasing your fluid intake, plain water is still the preferred option. But if a vase of water is not your thing, mineral water can help you keep hydrated and can be a delicious alternative to running water, but keep in mind the frequency with which you drink it for your dental health.
What is the best flavored mineral water, according to Profeco?
In her studio, Profeco put under the magnifying glass the mineral water with the flavor of Del Valle Limón&Nada, Del Valle Naranja&Nada, Peñafiel Agua Mineral Limón Flavor and Peñafiel Agua Mineral Sabor Naranja.
The results of the analysis of the institution in charge of caring for the rights of consumers were as follows:
