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Dentistry
Baby fever has well and truly hit the South West! Many of our lovely patients are pregnant and concerned about gum health during pregnancy, it can be difficult knowing what you can and cannot do during this time – here are some answers to your frequently asked questions about pregnancy and your smile!
I’m worried about my gum health during pregnancy, they’re sore and bleeding more than usual:
It is very common for the gums to become inflamed, with over 40% of women experiencing gingivitis during their pregnancy. Due to changes in hormones the gums are more reactive to any plaque left on the teeth. Continue brushing well with an electric toothbrush, introduce interdental cleaning such as floss, as well as maintaining your usual hygienist appointments. You’ll find that the cleaner the teeth are the less bleeding you’ll experience. Occasionally a red swelling will appear on the gum after the 1st trimester, this is called a pregnancy epulis and will generally resolve after delivery. If you have any concerns at all, please see one of our dentists or hygienists for advice.
Is there any dental treatment I cannot have when pregnant?
Routine dental treatment and healthy mouth reviews are safe during pregnancy. Ideally we want to ensure we detect any disease before it progresses as certain conditions, such as untreated gum disease, can impact birth weight. Although we tend to avoid removing teeth during the 1st and 3rd trimesters these can be carried out in emergencies. Local anaesthetic, straightening teeth and fillings are all perfectly safe. We don’t place amalgam fillings at Evolve so all white fillings are safe to place when pregnant. The only 2 things that cannot be carried out when pregnant or breastfeeding is tooth whitening and sedation.
When is the best time to book in to see the dentist or hygienist?
Usually the first 6 months after giving birth are a bit of a blur for the whole family. Between nappy changes, naps and feeding the last thing you want to do is come to the dentist. Our recommendation is to arrange an appointment for you and dad before the baby is born for your routine checks. This will help ensure good routines and allow us to provide prevention to help keep the family healthy.
I’m struggling with morning sickness and find it difficult to brush in the morning. Any tips?
As long as you brush your teeth in the evening and any other time during the day you will be protecting your teeth. If you find that late morning/early afternoon feels more comfortable then brushing at this time may be best for the time being. Try a smaller head toothbrush (such as a children’s electric brush) as this reduces gagging in most cases. It is important that after any type of sickness you rinse your mouth out with water to remove the excess acid and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth – this will help minimise erosion.
Are x-rays safe during pregnancy?
Dental x-rays are perfectly safe during pregnancy as the beam is not in the direction of the foetus and the dose is very low. However, if expectant mums are concerned about having x-rays during pregnancy we have lead vests available and can delay your routine x-rays until after the birth. Certain dental emergencies may however need x-rays for effective diagnosis and treatment.
I’ve heard that you can lose teeth when pregnant as the baby takes calcium from your bones and teeth.
Luckily this is just an old wives tale and it’s possible to come out of pregnancy with all your teeth intact! A lot of pregnant women experience serious sugar cravings, that alongside difficulty brushing due to morning sickness is often the reason for decay or cavities developing. Ideally, avoid sugary snacks, maintaining your routine appointments and brushing will help you keep all your gorgeous smiles!
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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.
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.
