Guide Note

Sparkling water is water which is carbonated and usually bottled. The water has carbon dioxide dissolved into it, making it a key ingredient in soft drinks. This process is known as carbonation.

Fast Facts

1. Also called: Club soda, seltzer
2. Tonic water: Sparkling Water flavored with quinine
3. Created through carbonation
4. Chemical formula for carbonic acid is H₂CO₃
5. Manufacturers: Calistoga, WaterPerrier, S. Pellegrino, Antipodes, Badoit

Sparkling water is not a significant source of tooth erosion. While risk of dental decay is greater with carbonated water than with regular water, sodas can cause tooth problems at a rate several hundred times higher than sparkling water. These findings suggest that carbonation is not the key factor in soft drinks causing dental erosion and decay. Studies have also found that drinking carbonated water does not increase the risk of bone fracture. This makes carbonated water virtually just as safe as regular water.