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Dentistry
One word can sum up the Christmas season: indulgence. With adults off work and children off school, enjoying delicious foods and drinks is standard procedure. Everyone has their favourite, from stuffing sandwiches to mulled wine. There are yule logs and Christmas puddings, pigs-in-blankets and gingerbreads. But, as fun as having all these festive treats is, Christmas can be a bad time for your teeth.
Alcohol problems
Alcohol is a staple of Christmas celebrations for many people. 61% of UK drinkers indulge in more alcohol at Christmas than they usually do. The average man admits to having six drinks on Christmas Day alone. The average woman has four-and-a-half. Whilst Christmas Day is worth toasting with family and friends, it is just one day in a busy social calendar.
Many have other get-togethers with family and friends in the run-up to Christmas, and into the new year. Workplaces Christmas parties are also popular, but 33% of people feel pressured to drink at these. This is higher than the 29% who feel the same towards New Year’s Eve.
Staining, sugar and acid
For protecting your oral health, identifying the risky drinks is key. For instance, mulled wine is a seasonal classic with drawbacks. Red wine forms the base of a mulled wine and contains pigments that gives it the purplish colour. It also contains compounds called tannins. Think of these as a glue that binds the purple pigments to the teeth. This is why people have purple teeth after drinking red wine. Stained teeth mean a stained smile.
In mulled wine, the staining quality is not the only threat. Added citrus fruits like oranges increase the acidity of the drink. Combined with the sugar content, this makes mulled wine harmful to the teeth. When drinking red or mulled wine over Christmas, be sure to rinse your mouth afterwards. This will help prevent staining, keeping your smile bright for Christmas photos.
Sparkling wines are very popular for toasting in the New Year. It is worth remembering that each flute of prosecco contains about one teaspoon of sugar. The high acidity of sparkling wines and their sugar content increases the risk of tooth decay. Like staining, tooth decay can impact facial aesthetics. To continue looking and feeling great, remember to drink water afterwards. This should keep your mouth free of acids until you brush your teeth later on.
Dangerous snacking and healthy alternatives
Chocolate is as synonymous with Christmas as Santa Claus. Brits spend £52.8 million on chocolate over the festive season. This includes big tins, selection boxes, luxury gifts and advent calendars. Chocolate’s high sugar content makes it a factor for tooth decay, effecting aesthetics and function. As eating chocolate becomes a daily habit across December, regular toothbrushing is extra important at this time.
Another popular part of Christmas is the array of finger foods. These include crisps, cheese twists, and dips. These can be quite sticky for the teeth, leading to small food particles getting trapped between the teeth. This can lead to tooth decay if left there. A healthier alternative is nuts. Peanuts and walnuts contain nutrients like calcium and vitamin D; these are great for keeping the teeth and gums strong.
A moderate amount of cheese is also recommended over the Christmas period. Rich in calcium, cheese can help neutralise acidic damage to the teeth. This will help kill harmful bacteria.
After a long year, indulging in festive foods and seasonal spirits makes sense. It is important to enjoy the celebrations whilst also controlling what you eat and drink. With an effective oral hygiene routine, you can protect your oral health and not feel guilty about eating that last chocolate. Keep your smile bright this Christmas.
Huge congratulations to Maisie 🎉
We are so proud to share that our trainee dental nurse, Maisie, has officially passed her dental nurse exams!
Maisie has worked incredibly hard alongside her training here at the practice, showing real dedication to her learning and to our patients every single day. From supporting clinicians chairside to helping create a calm, welcoming environment, she has grown in confidence and skill throughout her journey.
Becoming a qualified dental nurse is a fantastic achievement, and we couldn’t be happier for her. Please join us in congratulating Maisie next time you see her at the practice! 👏
Well done, Maisie – we’re so proud of you. 💙
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Thinking about straightening your teeth but unsure where to begin?
Lisa breaks down the difference between clear aligners and fixed braces - simply, clearly and without the jargon.
Both are effective. Both can create beautiful results. The right choice depends on you.
Watch the video to learn more, and if you’d like personalised advice, we’d be delighted to help.
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🦷 Did you know your oral health affects your whole body?
Your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation. Gum health, inflammation and oral hygiene can all play a role in your wider wellbeing – from heart health to confidence and mental wellness.
We’ve just published a new blog exploring the link between oral health and overall wellness, and why looking after your teeth and gums is about much more than your smile.
If you’re interested in oral health and general health Portishead, this is a great read and a helpful reminder of how small daily habits can support long-term health.
Link in bio
When is root canal treatment needed?
It’s a question many patients ask — and in this video, Richard explains it clearly and simply.
Root canal treatment is usually needed when the nerve inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen because of deep decay, a crack in the tooth, repeated dental work, or sometimes after an injury.
You might experience symptoms like persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, pain when biting, or swelling around the gum. However, sometimes there are very few symptoms at all — which is why regular check-ups at the practice are so important.
The good news is that root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. It removes the infection, saves the natural tooth, and helps you avoid extraction.
Watch Richard’s video to understand the signs to look out for — and if you’re worried about a tooth, get in touch with our reception team for advice.
Smile Hack 🍎🥕
Love a sweet treat? Jane shares a simple swap that your teeth will thank you for.
Sticky sweets cling to your teeth and sit in the tiny grooves for longer, feeding the bacteria that cause decay. The longer they stick around, the more damage they can do.
Instead, try swapping them for crunchy veg or a handful of nuts. Foods like carrots, cucumber and peppers have a natural crunch that helps stimulate saliva, which protects your teeth. Nuts are also a lower-sugar option and far less likely to cling to enamel.
Small changes really do make a big difference over time.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual?
It’s a question we’re asked a lot at the practice – and in this video, Carol gives a clear, honest answer.
Electric toothbrushes can make it easier to clean effectively, especially if you struggle with technique, brushing for long enough, or reaching certain areas. Many people find they remove plaque more consistently, simply because they do most of the work for you.
That said, a manual toothbrush can still do a great job when used properly. It’s less about the brush itself and more about how you use it.
Watch Carol’s quick explanation to find out what we usually recommend – and how to make sure you’re getting the most from your brushing routine.
If you’re unsure whether your brushing technique is working for you, mention it at your next appointment and we’ll be happy to guide you. 🪥
Our Gromits have become quite the local celebrities here at Evolve 🐾💛
So many of you pop into our patient lounge just to see the collection, and we love how much joy they bring to patients of all ages.
At the moment, two of our Gromits seem to have wandered off on an adventure! We’re hoping they simply need a little help finding their way home.
If you happen to spot them locally or see anything that looks like part of our collection being sold, we’d really appreciate you letting us know. You can message us privately or call the practice.
They’re part of what makes Evolve feel like Evolve — and we’d love to have the whole family back together again.
Thank you for always looking out for us 💛
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