""There isn't really a 'hard' age, but I wouldn't give seltzer to babies or toddlers," says Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist and founder of Firstgrin, an oral care companion app. "Their teeth and feeding habits are still developing, and they don't need flavored or bubbly drinks," she says of children under 3. "If you are offering it, ideally give some plain water after to help neutralize the mouth to avoid damage to the teeth.""
"Kirkpatrick and Lerman agree that the content of some kid-focused seltzers is identical to "adult" versions - the package is just smaller. "If it's carbonated water, the acid effect is the same," says Lerman. "The marketing may be different - and very cute! - but the dental impact isn't. Kirkpatrick points out that there haven't been many studies on the affect of sparkling water on kids' teeth, but Lerman says carbonic acid that makes the bubbles "can weaken enamel" over time."
Unsweetened sparkling water is carbonated water with no calories or juice. Avoid offering seltzer to babies and toddlers under age three because teeth and feeding habits are still developing. Milk and plain water should be primary beverages for young children. Kid-branded sparkling waters often have the same composition as adult versions and thus the same acidic effect. Carbonic acid that creates the bubbles can weaken tooth enamel over time, affecting baby and newly erupted adult teeth. To reduce risk, provide plain water after sparkling water to help neutralize the mouth. Limited research exists on effects in children.
Read at TODAY.com
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