The obvious difference is the fizz, technically called carbonic acid. This is created when carbon dioxide gas is forced into water under pressure.
That slight acidity, which gives seltzer its bite, has led to decades of rumors. The biggest one? That it will eat away at your teeth like battery acid.
Relax. While it is more acidic than flat water (pH of roughly 4-5, versus water's 7), it’s far less acidic than soda, fruit juice, or even coffee. Your enamel in a well-maintained mouth handles this beautifully.
The Bone Density Myth (That Just Won’t Die)
Another persistent rumor holds that seltzer leaches calcium from your bones. This is a classic case of correlation vs. causation.
The original studies looked at people who drank cola (which contains phosphoric acid) versus milk. Seltzer doesn’t contain phosphoric acid. You can confidently click the tab and ignore that old wives' tale.
