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Dentistry
The summer holidays are approaching and people will be boarding planes in droves. Going on holiday is a time for relaxation and indulgence – we’ve all earned a break. However, an exciting holiday can make it easy for dental hygiene to be neglected.
Keeping a good oral hygiene routine is essential for holidays. In hot climates with food to gorge on and drinks to sip on the beach, protecting your teeth is essential.
Product Packing
Packing is nobody’s favourite part of a holiday – indecisiveness and stress run rampant. But packing a toiletry bag should be easy and minimal, and is the first step to having a healthy smile abroad.
Care for your toothbrush by storing it in a small case; this prevents contamination and stops the bristles from bending. Squeeze in some interdental brushes or floss to use once a day, and consider a mini mouthwash for the suitcase too.
Do not make the mistake of having to throw away your large toothpaste at airport security. Buying a travel-sized toothpaste will get you through the scanners and keep your mouth minty for a week. Keeping some sugar-free gum on you is a great alternative if you are on the road (or in the air) with no chance to brush. You can keep your saliva levels high by chewing gum, which washes food and drink leftovers off your teeth. It may not be as effective as brushing, but it will keep your mouth fresh.
Indulge with restraint
Treating yourself is part of the holiday. It is important that you enjoy yourself: drink that pina colada! Eat that honeycomb ice-cream! Indulging in the brightly coloured foods and drinks of the world is inevitable. But be alert. Filled with sugars, acids and artificial additives, excessively eating and drinking the finer things speeds up tooth decay.
Having a consistent oral hygiene routine is key to keeping your mouth happy. After drinking alcoholic or fizzy drinks, swish water to rinse the acidic liquids away. When eating sugary ice creams or snacks, swish water afterwards. Water is pivotal to oral hygiene. In hot temperatures, staying hydrated will avoid dry mouth and bad breath. This will keep your saliva flowing and your mouth clean. When it comes to brushing after food and drink, wait 30 minutes for the tooth enamel to harden again. Waiting will also let your saliva neutralise the acids.
Above all, book a dentist appointment before you go away. A routine visit can identify any issues before they cause trouble on your holiday. You don’t really want to be tracking down an expensive dentist abroad!
It is important to remember that whilst you are on holiday, dental problems never are. Maintain your oral hygiene routine. Moderate your indulgences. Stay hydrated. Keep your teeth strong.
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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😴 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.
