Face
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.
Read our CQC Report
This morning, our Clinical Director, Carol Somerville Roberts, was featured on BBC Radio Bristol discussing something we are incredibly passionate about – the connection between oral health and your overall wellbeing. 🦷✨
Many people don’t realise that your oral health can have an impact on the rest of your body, with links between gum health and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia.
During the interview, Carol shared practical advice on maintaining good oral hygiene and why looking after your mouth is about so much more than just your smile.
We’re so proud to see Carol helping to raise awareness of the importance of preventive dental care across our local community. 💙
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #oralhealth #gumhealth #preventivedentistry #bbcradiobristol
✨ Considering cosmetic dental treatment? We’d love to welcome you to Evolve Dentistry ✨
We are currently accepting new patients for cosmetic dental treatments including clear aligners, composite bonding, veneers, smile makeovers and tooth whitening.
And here’s something many people don’t realise… you can visit us for cosmetic treatment even if you already have your own regular dentist.
Whether you’re looking to make a small change or completely transform your smile, our team will take the time to understand your goals and talk you through your options in a relaxed, supportive environment 🤍
If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, now could be the perfect time to start.
📩 Message the practice or call reception to book a consultation.
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #straighterteetheveryday #straighterteeth #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #cosmeticdentistry #compositebonding #clearaligners #toothwhitening
It’s officially Smile Month! 🎉
This year is extra special, as Smile Month celebrates its 50th anniversary - five decades of encouraging healthy smiles and better oral health across the UK.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing simple tips, advice and reminders to help you care for your smile at home and understand how small habits can make a big difference.
This year’s message is simple:
🪥 Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
🦷 Clean between your teeth daily
🥤 Cut down on sugary food and drinks
Looking after your oral health is about more than teeth - it can have a huge impact on confidence, comfort and overall wellbeing too.
Here’s to healthy smiles for everyone 💙
#SmileMonth #SmileMonth2026 #HealthySmiles #OralHealth #DentalHealth #Portishead #NorthSomerset #PatientsFirst #Healthysmile #Dentist #PortisheadMarina #Clevedon #Nailsea
Still feeling incredibly proud
A few months on, and we’re still celebrating Carol Somerville Roberts in her role as President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
It’s something we don’t take lightly - representing the profession at this level, while continuing to care for patients here at the practice, is no small thing.
What makes us most proud is that nothing changes for our patients. The same calm approach. The same honest advice. The same focus on doing what’s right for you.
Just with a little extra recognition behind it.
A big moment for Carol - and a proud one for all of us at Evolve.
🌟 Help us make history! 🌟
Nominations are now open for the very first Together Portishead Business & Community Awards, and we’d absolutely love your support! 🏆
We’re so proud to be part of this amazing community, and being recognised as a finalist would mean so much to our whole team. If you’ve visited our practice or supported us in any way, we’d be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to nominate us.
Vote here: www.togetherportishead.co.uk
Thank you for all your continued support - it truly means the world to us 💙
#PortisheadAwards #TogetherPortishead #SupportLocal #VoteForUs #PortisheadBusiness #EvolveDentistry #portishead #portisheadmarina #nailsea #clevedon
Dear Portishead 💙
There are places you work, and then there are places you belong.
For all of us at Evolve Dentistry, Portishead is the latter.
We are incredibly grateful to the generations of families who have trusted us with their care, to every patient who has recommended us, and to the wider community that continues to support our practice.
We are proud to live here, work here and care here.
From sponsoring local events to welcoming patients through our doors each day, being part of this community means so much to us.
Thank you, Portishead, for allowing us to be part of your lives.
Healthy, glowing skin starts with the right routine - and the right guidance.
We’re now offering AlumierMD at Evolve, giving you access to professional-grade products tailored to your skin.
Because these products are only available through registered practices, you’ll need to register before purchasing - we’ve included our secure link in our bio so you can get set up and explore the range at your convenience.
Even if you’re not ready to buy just yet, registering means you’ll have access when you are, plus trusted recommendations to help you get the best results from your skincare.
#Northsomerset #patientsfirst #healthyskin #skincare #alumiermd #naturalskin #glowingskin #portishead #clevedon #nailsea
