Why sweet fizzy drinks pose a bigger risk to children than carbonation alone

Doctors warn that the sugar, acids and flavourings in sweetened fizzy drinks can damage children’s teeth and contribute to excess weight, while plain sparkling water is generally a safer alternative.

Sweetened fizzy drinks can be hard on children’s teeth and may upset digestion, Russian doctors said, while wider paediatric guidance warns that sugary beverages should be kept to a minimum in young diets. The concern is not carbonation alone but the mix of sugar, acids and flavourings often found in sweetened soft drinks, which can erode enamel and add unnecessary calories.

According to the paediatrician quoted by RIA Novosti, sweet carbonated water typically contains syrups, sugar and acidity regulators, all of which can place extra strain on dental health and metabolism. Healthline has reported that carbonated drinks are mildly acidic, which means they may affect enamel, but that plain sparkling water is generally less harmful than sugary alternatives. Cleveland Clinic and Scripps Health make a similar distinction, saying that plain sparkling water without added sugar or artificial ingredients is usually a safe substitute for sweet drinks.

The bigger nutritional risk for children comes from the sugar content itself. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to limit sugary drinks for children under two and to avoid them for older children as much as possible, noting links to weight gain and dental cavities. That advice sits neatly alongside the warning from the Russian paediatrician that sweet fizzy drinks can contribute to obesity and disrupt carbohydrate metabolism.

There is also a more practical warning for younger children. The Russian doctor said mineral sparkling water is not recommended for children under six or seven because it may increase the chance of reflux, bloating and stomach irritation. Other health guides say carbonation can sometimes cause temporary gas or a feeling of fullness, especially in children with sensitive stomachs, although plain sparkling water is not generally considered dangerous on its own.