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Dentistry
Dr Yasmin Zeina shares her thoughts on dental anxiety.
A lot of people have some anxiety about coming to the dentist. This can sometimes be attributed to previous bad experiences (such as the dreaded school dentist), apprehension about what to expect, worries about being told off or even embarrassment over your smile. In all honesty it makes sense – there are very few situations in life where you have to trust someone with something you cannot always physically see. The good news is that dental anxiety or phobia doesn’t have to continue, as there are ways you can feel more in control of your care and manage well with treatment. Here are a few things we encourage our patients here at Evolve can do to help ease your worries.
Finding a dentist you like and trust will be one of the biggest ways of reducing your dental anxiety. Not every dentist likes to tell people off for not flossing daily, some of us even like to have a little chuckle during our appointments. When you find a dentist that you feel able to talk to you’ll find that not only will your appointments feel more relaxed, but you will also feel more confident to ask the questions important to you. This means that we can work together to give you confidence in your smile.
Everybody is different – some people like their appointments to be quiet and relaxed, some people like to be talked through the treatment as it is being carried out, and others don’t want to know what is happening and prefer to talk about the latest podcasts they’re listening to. At Evolve, we try to personalise your appointment based on your preferences, but unfortunately we’re not mind readers. Your healthy mouth reviews and new patient consultation are a great opportunity to let us know how we can make you feel more comfortable. Personally, I like listening to a bit of Fleetwood Mac during my appointments!
There is a reason why ‘mind over matter’ is a common saying. Our psychology, and the things we think, can impact the way our body responds to certain situations. Anxious thoughts and feelings before an appointment can lead to quickening in breath, increased heart rate and muscle tension. A couple useful distracting techniques I often use with my nervous patients include deep conscious breathing where you visualise the air filling your lungs and imagine the built up energy flowing out of you during your exhale. Another alternative is progressive muscle relaxation. Next time you’re nervous during your appointment try focusing on tensing and relaxing each muscle, starting from your toes all the way to your head. Lastly, some dentists may try guided imagery where you think about your favourite place. The devil is in the detail, so remember to think about the specifics of what you like about this place. It’s hard to feel tense when imagining eating the most gorgeous ice cream on a warm sunny day, with the sound of the ocean in the background!
Unfortunately, this is a common reason why people avoid coming to the dentist. Our goal is to give you the information needed to keep things healthy and looking great. Everyone has things they’re worried about and changes they’d like to see. Please consider your appointment a chance to address these as opposed to hiding them.
If you’ve been putting off visiting the dentist because you are anxious, we hope that these tips help you. If you have any questions please call us on 01275 842550, our team are very experienced at helping anxious patients overcome their concerns, the first step is to pick up the phone.
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🪥 Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
Many people think a little bleeding is normal, but it’s often your gums’ way of telling you that something isn’t quite right.
In this video, Dr Richard Ford explains some of the most common reasons gums bleed and what you can do to improve your gum health at home.
The good news is that, in many cases, bleeding gums can be improved with the right oral hygiene routine and professional support.
Watch the video to learn more and let us know if you’ve got a dental question you’d like us to answer next.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist
🦷 Dental myth or dental fact? 🤔
One of the most common myths we hear is that teeth whitening is bad for your teeth.
In this video, Maggie explains why professionally prescribed teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile when carried out under the guidance of a dental professional.
Unfortunately, misinformation can stop people from exploring treatments that could help them feel more confident about their smile. That’s why we’re passionate about sharing trusted advice and helping patients make informed decisions about their oral health.
Have you heard any dental myths that you’re not sure about? Let us know in the comments below. 👇
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning
#patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles
#smilemakeovers #healthysmile
#acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead
#clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #teethwhitening
#whiteteeth #smileconfidence #cosmeticdentistry
#dentalmyths #oralhealth
🥤 Are sugary drinks really bad for your teeth?
It’s a question we hear all the time.
In this video, our Therapist Flora explains how sugary drinks can affect your teeth and why it’s not just the amount of sugar that matters, but how often you’re having it throughout the day.
The good news? You don’t have to give up all your favourite drinks. A few simple changes can make a big difference to your oral health.
Watch Flora’s advice and let us know if there’s a dental question you’d like us to answer next.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist
At Evolve, we’re incredibly proud of our team - not just for the care they provide to our patients, but for the difference they make beyond the practice too. 💜
On 30 July, our wonderful dental nurse, Kayse, and her brother will be taking on an incredible challenge by completing a charity skydive in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
They’re stepping well outside their comfort zones to raise money for a cause that means so much. Alzheimer’s and dementia affect millions of families, taking away precious memories and changing lives forever. By supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK, they’re helping to fund vital research into better treatments and, one day, a cure.
Their fundraising target is £650, and every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.
If you’d like to support Kayse and her brother, you can donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/team/jordankayse
Good luck with the jump Kayse - we know you’ll be amazing! ✈️💜
#TeamEvolve #Fundraising #AlzheimersResearchUK #CommunitySupport #Skydive
“How long will it take?” 🤔
It’s one of the first questions we hear from patients considering teeth straightening - and the honest answer is that every smile is different.
Some patients achieve their desired results in as little as six months, while more complex cases may take longer. The good news is that modern orthodontic treatment is carefully planned from the start, so you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect before treatment begins.
At Evolve Dentistry, we’ll assess your smile, discuss your goals and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to you.
Whether you’re looking to correct crowding, close gaps or improve the overall appearance of your smile, the journey may be shorter than you think.
📍 Portishead
📞 Contact our team to arrange a consultation and discover what’s possible for your smile.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #braces #adultbraces #adultbracesuk #gapsinteeth
It’s World Wellbeing Week, and we’d love to hear from you!
Looking after your wellbeing doesn’t have to mean making big changes. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference - a walk in the fresh air, spending time with family, exercising, reading a good book or enjoying a coffee with a friend.
At Evolve, we know that looking after your wellbeing is an important part of living a happy, healthy life.
So, here’s our question:
💙 What is your favourite way to look after your wellbeing?
Share your answer in the comments below - you might inspire someone else to try something new!
#WorldWellbeingWeek #Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist
☀️ Staying cool during the heatwave ☀️
We’ve seen that some local schools are closing due to the extreme temperatures this week, but we’d like to reassure our patients that Evolve Dentistry remains open as usual.
Our practice is fully air-conditioned, providing a cool and comfortable environment for your appointment, and we always have plenty of chilled water available for patients and visitors.
If you have an appointment booked with us, please continue to attend as planned. If you’re travelling in the heat, we recommend allowing a little extra time for your journey and bringing a water bottle with you.
Thank you for your continued support, and please take care in the hot weather. 🌞💙
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
📞 If you have any questions about your appointment, please get in touch with our team.
