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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.
How healthy are your everyday habits? 🦷💚
The NHS Healthy Choices quiz is a simple, helpful way to reflect on small lifestyle habits that can make a big difference to your overall health — including your oral health.
It only takes a few minutes, and you might be surprised by what you learn. No judgement, just gentle guidance and practical tips you can use straight away.
👉 Take the quiz here: https://bit.ly/4sBMx2W
And if you ever want to chat about how your choices affect your smile, our team is always happy to help — you’re never on your own with it at Evolve.
#HealthyChoices #NHSWellbeing #OralHealthMatters #EvolveDentistry #LookingAfterYourSmile
Feeling self-conscious about your smile can affect so much more than just photos.
In this video, Gemma shares her experience of having veneers with Carol at Evolve Dentistry. She explains how she had always felt unhappy with her smile and was also a nervous patient — something many people can relate to.
From her very first visit, Gemma felt welcomed and supported by the whole team. The friendly, calm approach at Evolve helped her feel more relaxed and confident throughout her treatment.
Now, she’s absolutely overjoyed with her results and finally feels comfortable smiling again.
Thank you, Gemma, for trusting us and for sharing your story 💙
Looking after your oral hygiene at home makes a real difference to your long-term dental health 🦷
In this video, Jessica shares a few simple, everyday tips you can do at home to help keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits. Nothing complicated — just small changes that can have a big impact over time.
Whether you’re brushing twice a day already or feel like your routine could use a refresh, this is a great place to start.
If you ever have questions about your home care routine, our team is always happy to help. 💙
✨ Currently welcoming new patients ✨
We care for a limited number of patients so we can offer calm, considered dental care.
Right now, we’re able to welcome new patients to Evolve Dentistry. If you’ve been thinking about joining a local practice in Portishead, we’d love to hear from you.
📞 Contact reception on 01275 842 550
Appointments are available at this week’s wrinkle clinic on Thursday ✨
If you’ve been thinking about booking an appointment, we currently have availability this week. Our team will take the time to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have, with no pressure.
📞 Please contact reception to book or to find out more.
Ever wondered what it’s really like to walk through the doors at Evolve Dentistry? 💚
We know that for many people, the unknown can be the most nerve-wracking part of visiting the dentist. That’s why we wanted to show you around.
From the moment you arrive and step into our Patient Lounge, everything is designed to help you feel calm, welcomed, and comfortable. No clinical feel. No rushing. Just a relaxed space where you’re treated as a person, not an appointment.
This walkthrough gives you a glimpse of what to expect — so when you do visit, it already feels familiar.
Because feeling comfortable matters just as much as the care itself. 🤍
#EvolveDentistry #PracticeTour #PatientExperience #CalmDentistry #DentalAnxiety #YouAreWelcome
