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Dentistry
Nobody wants their child’s summer fun to be spoiled by tooth pain or cavities.
However, many iced treats popular in summer contain lots of sugar that causes decay. Because taste buds don’t work as well when they get cold, manufacturers often add extra sugar to ice lollies to guarantee a sweet taste. But saying no every time the ice cream van approaches might feel unnecessarily harsh – especially if you have fond memories of enjoying the occasional lolly when you were young.
So how can you say yes to an ice lolly without hurting your child’s teeth? First, it’s helpful to understand why too many iced treats could spell dental pain or decay…
Sugar!
Sugar and bacteria work together to create acid that can cause decay and tooth pain.
A lolly may list sugar as an ingredient, but other ingredients commonly in lollies are sugar by another name. Popular iced lolly brands sometimes contain fruit juice concentrate, glucose syrup, fructose and dextrose, which all do the same work as table sugar on the teeth. Other natural sugars like honey and fruit juice should also be eaten in moderation. A sweet treat is considered low sugar for adults if it’s less than 5g sugar per 100g. 22.5g per 100g or more is high sugar for adults, and is more than most children should have in a whole day!
Do a little maths…
The NHS suggests that 30g of sugar is OK for adults per day. But children are much smaller, so the healthy amount of sugar for them is also lower. Children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than 24g per day. Aged 4 to 6, this falls to 19g. Children aged 2 to 3 should have no more than 14g natural or added sugar per day. That’s 3 and a half sugar cubes. The amount of sugar in lollies really varies, so it’s good to read the label to check.
And watch how you chomp the ice…
Although eating a lolly more quickly means less exposure time to sugar, it’s good to be aware of the damage that can be caused by biting or chewing fully frozen ice. The crystals in ice can scratch away children’s soft enamel. Ice can also damage fillings and can even fracture teeth.
Even little fractures or small scratches can allow bacteria to get into your teeth, causing decay.
Some delicious alternatives
If your child isn’t fond of sugar-free lollies, you can make your own treats. Many kitchen shops sell home lolly kits, or you can just make small lollies by freezing fruit juice and lolly sticks in ice cube trays. Although fruit juices do contain sugar, they contain nutrients. If eaten after meals, the acid from the fruit, as well as the sugars won’t have such a strong effect.
If children visit the dentist regularly, brush their teeth twice a day, eat healthy food and drink lots of water, there is no reason their teeth can’t last them a lifetime, even if they do enjoy an ice lolly now and then.
Can chipped teeth be fixed without braces? In this latest Two Thirty episode, Carol explains that the answer depends on why the tooth chipped in the first place.
Sometimes teeth chip because of the way they meet or their position. In these cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to move the teeth into a healthier position and help prevent further damage.
For many chips, a simple and effective option is composite bonding - carefully adding tooth-coloured material to rebuild the shape and restore your smile.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #compositebonding #chippedtooth #adultbraces
Your future smile could start this month.
Our clear aligner teeth straightening promotion includes free consultation appointments over the next four weeks, rather than just one day - making it easier to find a time that suits you.
Only 6 appointments available.
Bleeding gums are never something to ignore. In this latest Two Thirty episode, Richard explains how gum disease often starts as gingivitis - where the gums become swollen and may bleed - but with the right care, this early stage can often be reversed.
If left untreated, gum disease can progress and may lead to bone loss around the teeth. The good news is that regular hygiene visits and good home care can make a real difference.
Watch the video to learn the signs to look out for and how we can help you maintain a healthy smile.
Book your hygiene appointment today.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #gumdisease #gingivitis #dentalhygienist #oralhealth
Lottie told us she never used to show her teeth when she smiled.
After completing her Invisalign treatment with Yasmin, she now loves smiling with confidence and showing her teeth.
We’re so pleased to have been part of her journey - and grateful for her lovely recommendation of Evolve Dentistry.
If you’ve been hiding your smile, we’d love to help. Message us to book a consultation.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #braces #adultbraces #adultbracesuk #gapsinteeth
Carol has had an inspiring week at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry conference, joining clinicians from around the world to learn, share ideas and stay at the forefront of modern cosmetic dentistry.
We are incredibly proud to see her representing Evolve Dentistry on the international stage, while also leading the profession as President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Bringing back fresh ideas, new techniques and global insight helps us continue to provide the highest standards of patient care here in Portishead.
Please join us in celebrating Carol and everything she continues to do for dentistry in the UK and beyond. ✨
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #BACD #AACD #CosmeticDentistry #PatientCare #Dentistry #NorthSomerset #ProudMoment 
A lovely evening spent together outside the practice. Last night the Evolve team enjoyed a delicious meal at Aqua in Portishead - a chance to relax, catch up and celebrate the people who make Evolve such a special place to work and visit.
We’re proud of the warm, caring team culture we’ve built, and evenings like this are a great reminder that behind every appointment is a team who genuinely enjoy working together.
Thank you to Aqua for a wonderful evening and fantastic food.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #TeamEvolve #WorkFamily #Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #dentist #PortisheadMarina
Can cosmetic dentistry improve your confidence?
In this video, Carol answers a question we hear often - and for many patients, the answer is yes.
Feeling confident in your smile can have a real impact on how you feel day to day. Cosmetic dentistry can help improve concerns such as tooth colour, shape, spacing or worn edges, while keeping results natural and suited to you.
Every smile is different, which is why treatment always starts with understanding your goals and recommending the most appropriate options.
If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, our team at Evolve would be happy to help.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #naturalteeth #smilemakeovers #newpatients #acceptingnewpatients #portishead #portisheadmarina #nailsea #clevedon #dentist
