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The sun is shining. Your flip-flops are on. You are craving a drink. Summer is here and everywhere smells of barbecues, sun-cream and freshly cut grass. It is also the time for long days and late evenings enjoying alcoholic drinks.
With Alcohol Awareness Week (3rd – 9th July) around the corner, it is important to be wary of alcohol consumption. Wine, in particular, can be very damaging to your oral health. Knowing the do’s and don’ts for drinking wine will keep that summer smile bright.
Sparkling wine may not be fine…
Everyone loves clinking a glass of sparkling wine at a garden party. But that sweet taste comes from the highly acidic mixture of alcohol, sugar and carbonation. This is a danger to your teeth, as an unregulated intake of it can cause dental erosion. Prosecco accounts for 45% of UK sparkling wine sales and has seen continued growth in the 2020s. But, cases of ‘Prosecco Teeth’ are also on the rise. The drink is 200 times more acidic than what is needed for your tooth enamel (the harder outer layer) to break down. When white lines form on the gums, tooth decay is beginning.
Do not worry – you can still enjoy a glass of bubbly on your deckchair! Using a straw will stop the acidic alcohol touching your teeth as much, and what is the harm in having a swish of water between glasses to wash your mouth out?
Avoiding the Dracula look
You should be careful drinking red wine because of its effect on your teeth. Red wine turns your pearly whites into beetroot-coloured teeth in a matter of sips. Small compounds called tannins bind the purple pigments to your teeth and wine’s acidity will damage the enamel.
Preventing staining is simple. Having water with red wine can protect your teeth from the acid by defending the enamel. Dairy products, like cheese, are good to have with wine because of their calcium compounds. These promote the strengthening of enamel and help neutralise the acidity of the mouth. If you know you will be having a glass or two of red wine, brush and floss your teeth beforehand to remove any plaque. Plaque attracts staining compounds and causes tooth decay, so ensure your mouth is as clean as possible before uncorking that merlot.
Dry mouth
Wines are not the only enemy of oral health. Hyposalivation, or dry mouth, can be caused by the intake of any alcoholic drink. Saliva is immensely important to your oral health: it washes bacteria and food particles off the teeth, neutralises harmful acids, and repairs weak tooth enamel.
The combination of a hot summer’s day and a high alcohol intake can lead to dehydration and oral dryness. With insufficient saliva, your mouth loses one of its best defences and tooth enamel will weaken. You will be vulnerable to oral health risks. Drinking lots of water will also help beat dry mouth by keeping you hydrated. It may help beat the hangover, too. Chewing sugar-free gum will also get your saliva flowing on the hot, boozy days of the summer.
Relaxing with a drink is no bad way to spend the summer, but make sure that you have enough water and a consistent oral hygiene routine to protect your teeth. And maybe some gum.
😴 Can snoring affect your oral health?
In our latest Two Thirty video, Maggie answers a question many people don’t think to ask — can snoring impact your teeth and gums?
The short answer is yes, it can.
Snoring is often linked to breathing through your mouth at night, which can cause a dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth, so when your mouth is dry, you may be more prone to tooth decay and bad breath.
If you snore and have noticed dryness, increased decay or concerns about your breath, it’s worth mentioning at your next appointment.
Our reception team at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead will be happy to arrange a consultation if you’d like advice.
⏰ Smile hack: When you brush matters
Did you know it’s not just how long you brush — but when you brush — that makes a difference? Maggie shares an important smile hack about timing your toothbrushing properly.
Brushing straight after eating — especially after acidic foods or drinks like fruit, juice or coffee — can actually do more harm than good. Your enamel is slightly softened, and brushing immediately can cause wear.
Maggie explains the best time to brush and why waiting can help protect your teeth long term.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference to your oral health.
How do braces actually work? 🤔
In the latest video from our Two Thirty series, Lisa explains exactly how braces move teeth — and why treatment takes time.
If you’ve ever wondered how gentle pressure can gradually straighten your smile, or what’s happening behind the scenes during orthodontic treatment, this short video breaks it down in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding the process can make the journey feel much more reassuring.
Watch the full video now and, if you have questions about braces, our reception team will be happy to help you book a consultation at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead.
Have you got an old filling on a front tooth that’s starting to discolour?
Andrea recently visited us to have a stained filling replaced by Richard — and she’s absolutely thrilled with the result.
In her video, she talks about how the old filling had become noticeable over time and how much fresher and more natural her smile looks now.
Sometimes it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference to your confidence.
If you’re unhappy with an old filling, contact our reception team to book a consultation and explore your options.
Thinking about improving your smile but not sure what SmileFast actually involves?
Richard Ford has recorded a short video explaining how the SmileFast process works and the benefits of treatment.
From digital smile design through to the final result, SmileFast offers a minimally invasive way to enhance chipped, worn or uneven teeth — with predictable, natural-looking outcomes.
If you’ve been curious about composite bonding or want to understand your options, this is a great place to start.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel and contact our reception team if you’d like to book a consultation.
Life gets busy — we get it.
If your healthy mouth review has slipped down the to-do list, this is your gentle reminder 💚
We’re here to help you stay healthy, comfortable and smiling with confidence.
📍 Portishead | 📅 Book your appointment today.
