Face
Dentistry
It doesn’t take too long to find a friend or family member doing “Dry Jan”. A survey found that almost 9 million Brits planned a month off alcohol in January 2023. There are many benefits to time away from drinking, such as saving money and improved sleep.
Going alcohol-free is also associated with superior oral health. There are many drinks that damage the teeth when frequently consumed; cutting them out can keep your teeth strong and bright. As 2025 creaks into motion, now is as good a time as any to consider the benefits of cutting out the booze.
Plaque attack
People who drink large quantities of alcohol on a regular basis have higher plaque levels on their teeth. They are also three times more likely to experience permanent tooth loss. But why? And what does this mean for people who only drink moderately?
Many alcoholic drinks are high in sugar. From the sweetness of cider to the head-spinning effects of a Long Island iced-tea, sugar is prevalent across many a favourite tipple. Even a dark beer with its bitter flavour can contain over 3 grams of sugar per pint. Spirits are often paired with carbonated soft drinks for a nicer flavour. But that flavour comes with a sugar tax, as these soft drinks are also bad for the teeth.
Immoderate drinking causes tooth decay because of the sugar content. The bacteria in our mouths thrives on sugar; the more you give it then the more active it becomes. The reaction between the bacteria and sugar releases an acid – this erodes the enamel of the teeth. Without the enamel, the teeth lose their protective shield and can be damaged by the acid. Tooth decay can be visible, with white, brown or black spots appearing on the tooth. This can impact the look of the smile, and may increase self-consciousness.
In the spirit of Dry Jan, cutting out the sugary alcoholic drinks can reduce plaque prevalence. This also reduces the daily sugar intake and keeps the teeth and the body healthier and happier.
Have you ever seen the stain?
How many times have you known someone was drinking red wine by the colour of their teeth? Purple teeth are instantly noticeable among red wine drinkers. Other drinks, such as punch and sangria, have the same instant effect. Compounds in these drinks called chromogens cause the staining. They attach to the weakened tooth enamel and give the teeth that purple layer.
But alcohol-related staining is not limited to all things purple. It can be gradual, with dark-coloured soft drinks and dark beers also having staining effects. Over time these acidic liquids damage the enamel. This darkens the teeth. A stained smile can impact social situations, making the person feel self-conscious about their teeth.
A rinse of water in between these alcoholic drinks can wash away the acid and the colourful compounds. But for the best way to reduce alcohol-related staining, drink less!
Giving it a go
65% of people notice an improvement in their health after a break from alcohol. Dry Jan is an excellent time to give it a go because of the support network in place. Doing it with a friend or family member means you can also encourage each other. Even if you miss the start of January, going alcohol-free at any time of the year is an enormous benefit for your oral health and your overall health.
Get support for a dry January
😴 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.
