Is There Any Side Effect of Drinking Sparkling Water? A Complete Guide

December 11, 2025 •

5 min read

Over the past few years, the popularity of sparkling water has surged as a healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks. For many, the crisp, bubbly sensation is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, but is there any side effect of drinking sparkling water that you should be aware of?

Quick Summary

Plain sparkling water is generally safe and hydrating, offering a great alternative to sugary beverages. Potential minor issues can include bloating or gas for sensitive stomachs, and a slightly increased risk of dental erosion, especially with frequent consumption of flavored water.

Key Points

Dental Health: Plain sparkling water poses a minimal risk to dental enamel, but frequent consumption of flavored varieties with added citric acid increases the risk of erosion.
Digestive Issues: The carbonation can cause bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort for individuals with sensitive digestive systems or conditions like IBS.
Acid Reflux: Carbonated water can potentially trigger or worsen heartburn in people with GERD by relaxing the esophageal sphincter, though not everyone is affected.
Kidney and Bone Health: The myths that sparkling water causes kidney stones or bone density loss are unfounded; plain sparkling water is safe for these health aspects.
Beware of Additives: Check labels for added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and high sodium content, which are common in some types like tonic water and club soda and contribute to negative health effects.
Moderation is Key: To minimize risks like dental erosion, it's best to consume sparkling water in moderation, ideally with meals, and rinse your mouth afterward.

The Truth About Sparkling Water: Separating Fact from Fiction

Sparkling water is a refreshing beverage created by infusing water with carbon dioxide gas. This simple process results in a fizzy drink known by many names, including seltzer, club soda, and sparkling mineral water, each with slight variations in mineral content. The bubbles provide a pleasant alternative to flat water, and it is just as effective at hydrating the body. For those looking to cut down on sugary sodas, unsweetened sparkling water is an excellent choice.

However, the carbonation process does introduce a mild acid (carbonic acid) into the water, and some varieties may include additional ingredients like natural flavors, sugars, or sodium. The side effects of sparkling water, if any, are often tied to these factors rather than the simple carbonation itself. It's crucial to distinguish between the various types and listen to your body's response.

Potential Side Effects of Sparkling Water

Dental Health Concerns

One of the most widely discussed potential side effects of sparkling water is its effect on dental enamel. The carbonic acid created during carbonation gives the water a lower pH, making it slightly acidic. While plain sparkling water is far less damaging than sugary sodas, which contain higher levels of erosive acids, prolonged and frequent exposure to any acidic liquid can wear down enamel over time.

Studies show that flavored sparkling waters, which often contain citric acid, are more acidic and pose a greater risk to teeth than their unflavored counterparts. This risk is compounded by habits like slowly sipping acidic drinks all day long, which gives your saliva less time to neutralize the pH level in your mouth.

How to mitigate dental risk:

Drink sparkling water with a meal to stimulate saliva production.
Use a straw to minimize direct contact with your teeth.
Rinse your mouth with plain water after finishing your bubbly drink.
Choose plain, unflavored varieties over those with added fruit acids.

Bloating, Gas, and Digestive Issues

For some people, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the carbon dioxide in sparkling water can lead to discomfort. The bubbles fill the stomach with gas, which can cause bloating, burping, and feelings of fullness. While this is a temporary and harmless effect for most, those prone to gas and bloating may find relief by moderating their intake or switching to still water.

The Link to Acid Reflux (GERD)

Carbonated beverages can trigger or worsen symptoms of acid reflux in some individuals, especially those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The gas from carbonation can increase pressure in the stomach, which may force stomach acid back up into the esophagus. However, this is not a universal experience; some people with mild indigestion report that sparkling water actually helps to ease their symptoms. If you have GERD or frequently experience heartburn, it is advisable to monitor your symptoms and potentially reduce your intake of carbonated drinks.

Sodium Content in Some Varieties

Not all sparkling water is created equal. While many seltzers and natural sparkling mineral waters contain little to no sodium, others, particularly club soda, have added sodium and minerals to enhance flavor. For individuals with high blood pressure or other conditions that require sodium restriction, checking the nutrition label is essential. Consuming multiple servings of high-sodium carbonated water can contribute significantly to your daily sodium intake.

Busting the Common Myths

Myth: Sparkling Water is Bad for Bones

This is a persistent myth, likely conflated with the effects of dark colas. The phosphoric acid and high caffeine content in certain sodas have been linked to lower bone mineral density, but plain sparkling water does not contain these ingredients. In fact, some naturally occurring sparkling mineral waters contain calcium and magnesium, which can be beneficial for bone health.

Myth: Sparkling Water Causes Kidney Stones

Medical experts have stated that plain sparkling water does not cause kidney stones. In fact, staying hydrated with any type of water, still or sparkling, is one of the best ways to prevent kidney stones. The misconception likely stems from the minerals found in some mineral waters, but these amounts are too low to cause issues for healthy individuals.

Myth: Sparkling Water Dehydrates You

This is completely false. Sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water and contributes to your daily fluid intake. The carbonation does not interfere with your body's ability to absorb water, making it a great tool for those who struggle to meet their daily water needs.

Comparison: Plain vs. Flavored Sparkling Water


Feature	Plain Sparkling Water / Seltzer	Flavored Sparkling Water (with added citric acid)	Sugary Soda (e.g., Cola)
Dental Impact	Minimal risk, lower acidity than flavored options.	Higher acidity, increased risk of enamel erosion with frequent consumption.	High acidity and sugar, very damaging to dental enamel.
Additives	Generally no additives; some mineral waters contain natural minerals.	Often contains added citric acid for flavor, no sugar (in most cases).	High sugar, phosphoric acid, and other artificial ingredients.
Calories	Zero.	Zero (in unsweetened versions).	High, often 100+ calories per serving.
Digestive Issues	May cause mild bloating/gas in sensitive individuals.	Similar digestive effects to plain, still possible bloating.	Often contains caffeine and high sugar, can exacerbate GERD and GI issues.

Making Sparkling Water a Healthy Habit

To enjoy sparkling water while minimizing potential side effects, remember these key practices:

Prioritize plain over flavored: Opt for unflavored varieties to reduce acidity and protect your tooth enamel.
Stay hydrated with still water, too: Alternate sparkling water with regular water throughout the day. This is especially important for children, who benefit from fluoridated tap water.
Read the label: Always check for added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or excessive sodium, especially with club soda or tonic water.
Listen to your body: If you experience frequent bloating, gas, or acid reflux symptoms, scale back your intake or switch to still water.

Conclusion: The Final Fizz

For most people, plain sparkling water is a safe and healthy beverage that can support hydration efforts and serve as a fantastic alternative to sugary drinks. The side effects of drinking sparkling water, such as bloating, dental erosion, or acid reflux, are generally mild and depend on individual sensitivity, frequency of consumption, and the presence of added ingredients. By opting for plain varieties, drinking in moderation, and practicing good oral hygiene, you can enjoy the crisp, bubbly refreshment with minimal risk. When in doubt, consulting a healthcare provider is always recommended, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Healthline provides an overview of carbonated water's health effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain, unsweetened sparkling water is only mildly acidic and is generally not a significant threat to dental health, especially compared to sugary sodas. The risk increases with flavored varieties that contain citric acid. To minimize risk, drink in moderation, use a straw, and rinse with plain water afterward.

Yes, for some individuals, especially those with sensitive stomachs or IBS, the carbon dioxide bubbles can lead to bloating, gas, and uncomfortable fullness. If this is a concern for you, it may be best to reduce your intake or switch to still water.

While sparkling water can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause acid reflux in some people, it does not affect everyone in the same way. Some individuals with mild indigestion may even find it helpful. Monitor your own symptoms to determine if you should limit your intake.

No, this is a myth. Studies have found no evidence that plain sparkling water has a negative effect on bone mineral density. This misconception often arises from confusion with dark colas, which contain ingredients that can affect bones.

Plain, unsweetened sparkling water is not harmful to your kidneys for most healthy individuals. Staying properly hydrated with any kind of water is beneficial for preventing kidney stones. However, those with pre-existing kidney disease or who need to limit sodium should be cautious with high-sodium varieties like club soda.

Flavored sparkling water can be a good, calorie-free alternative to soda, but it is not as healthy as plain water. Many flavored options contain citric acid, which increases acidity and the risk of dental erosion. Always check labels for hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners.

For most people, drinking sparkling water every day is safe, provided it is unsweetened and consumed in moderation. The key is to listen to your body and be mindful of potential side effects like bloating or the increased dental risk from highly acidic, flavored options.