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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 you spot the odd object? 🔍
This summer, we’re proud to be taking part in the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station Spot the Odd Object trail! 🚤❤️
From 25 July to 29 August, explore Portishead, visit participating businesses and see if you can spot the mystery object hidden in each window - including ours here at Evolve Dentistry!
Not only is it a great way to enjoy a family day out, but every £5 entry helps support the incredible volunteers at RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe at sea.
📍 Visit our practice and see if you can find our hidden object.
👀 Don’t forget to complete your entry form for your chance to win one of the fantastic cash prizes!
If you take part, we’d love to see your photos - tag Evolve Dentistry and let us know when you’ve found our mystery object!
Good luck… and happy spotting! 🔎💙
#Portishead #RNLI #SpotTheOddObject #SupportLocal #FamilyFun #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadEvents #SummerHolidays
Will composite bonding damage my teeth?
It’s a common concern, especially for patients who want to improve their smile while protecting their natural teeth.
The good news is that composite bonding is often one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available. In many cases, little or no preparation of the tooth is required, meaning your natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of:
✔ Chipped teeth
✔ Small gaps between teeth
✔ Uneven tooth shapes
✔ Worn edges
✔ Minor imperfections
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, many patients choose composite bonding when they want to enhance their smile without significant changes to their natural teeth.
Every smile is unique, so we’ll always discuss your options and explain exactly what’s involved before any treatment begins.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #compositebonding #smilemakeovers #cosmeticdentistry #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #smiledesign #bonding #confidentsmile #cosmeticsmile
Reading comments like this reminds us why we do what we do.
Helping people feel comfortable and cared for is just as important as providing great dentistry.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could be grinding your teeth every night… without even knowing it. 😴
Many people assume they’d know if they were clenching or grinding their teeth.
In reality, most don’t.
As Richard explains, while we’re asleep our brains continue processing the events and stresses of the day. For some people, that stress is released through clenching or grinding their teeth - but because the part of the brain that would normally recognise it is effectively switched off during sleep, we often have no idea it’s happening.
Over time, tooth grinding can contribute to:
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Disrupted sleep
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning them at your next appointment. We can look for the signs of tooth grinding and discuss ways to help protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Have you ever been told you grind your teeth, or has someone heard you doing it while you sleep?
#ToothGrinding #Bruxism #HealthySmile #DentalHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
✨ Looking for a role where people matter?
We’re searching for a new Front of House Team Member to join our award-winning team at Evolve Dentistry.
This isn’t just about answering the phone or booking appointments.
It’s about creating the kind of welcome that makes people feel relaxed from the moment they walk through our doors. It’s remembering the little things, taking pride in every interaction and helping deliver an experience that patients genuinely talk about.
If you’re warm, organised, love looking after people and enjoy being part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
Experience in dentistry isn’t essential. We’re looking for the right person with the right attitude - someone who genuinely enjoys making a difference to someone’s day.
If that sounds like you, or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you - hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk
📍 Portishead
💙 Award-winning team culture
☕ Every patient welcomed like a guest
Please share this post with anyone who might be the perfect fit.
🚦 Travelling to Evolve? Please allow a little extra time.
If you’re visiting us over the next few weeks, please be aware that there are temporary traffic lights on the Portbury Hundred until 10th August, which are causing delays, particularly at busier times of the day.
We’d hate for your journey to add any unnecessary stress, so if you have an appointment with us, we’d recommend allowing a little extra travel time.
If you think you may be delayed, please give our reception team a call and we’ll do everything we can to help.
Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to the practice. 💙
“Great patient focus and excellent staff and facilities.”
Those few words mean a great deal to us.
Because creating an exceptional experience isn’t just about modern facilities - it’s about making every person who walks through our doors feel welcomed, listened to and genuinely cared for.
Every interaction matters, from your first phone call to the moment you leave the practice.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in our recent patient survey. Your kind words remind us why we do what we do, and inspire us to keep making every experience the best that it can be. 💙
#EvolveDentistry #PatientExperience #PatientFeedback #Portishead #Compassion #ExceptionalCare
