Face
Dentistry
As you know, we’re really pleased that Dr Jonathan Sproson has joined the Evolve team in Portishead and brings with him a wealth of experience. Carol and Jon have known each other for many years and here she explains how they first met:
“It was a week before Christmas and I was 16 years old when I first met Jon. I had gone ice skating with my two older brothers and two of their friends. My Mum was away as a very good friend of hers was ill and needed some help with her children.
As we skated around the busy ice rink, a younger child was skating in the wrong direction and crashed straight into me, as a result I fell. I have a phobia of putting my hands on ice in case someone runs over my fingers, so I fell flat on my face! I knew something bad had happened when I saw my whole front tooth sitting in a puddle of blood but, interestingly, had no pain at all.
With the dental knowledge I have now, I would have known to put the tooth straight back in the socket as it was intact and landed on ice. If you’re ever in this situation follow this advice or keep the tooth in your cheek or wrapped in clingfilm and get to a dentist or hospital as quickly as possible!
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and sadly this is not what happened to me; if it had my whole life may have been different. I went home with my tooth in my hand and a very swollen upper lip but no other damage to any other teeth or my face. My Dad was naturally very upset and I was very embarrassed; what 16-year-old girl wants to be missing their front tooth?
We had recently moved to Shropshire and hadn’t yet found a dentist, so my Dad called some friends in the area and they highly recommended Jon Sproson. We called his practice and he immediately made space to see me as quickly as possible. When I saw Jon, he assessed the situation and told me he couldn’t re-implant the tooth, the only option would be a false tooth but before anything permanent could be made, the area had to heal and I would need a small denture for about 3-6 months.
This was a week before Christmas and most dental laboratories close down for two weeks at this time, however, Jon realised that I needed to have something sorted quickly and moved heaven and earth to get me a denture within a couple of days. Not only did he get this made in record time, it also looked great and he gave me back my smile in time for Christmas.
As a result of this experience, I became interested in dentistry and the change it could make to people’s lives and subsequently, I did work experience with Jon. Now, many years later, we are working together at Evolve and I could not be happier he has joined the team. Jon’s empathy, kindness and skill are still qualities he has today with the benefit of many years of practising dentistry at the highest level. I hope you get to experience this wonderful dentist.”
🦷 Did you know your oral health affects your whole body?
Your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation. Gum health, inflammation and oral hygiene can all play a role in your wider wellbeing – from heart health to confidence and mental wellness.
We’ve just published a new blog exploring the link between oral health and overall wellness, and why looking after your teeth and gums is about much more than your smile.
If you’re interested in oral health and general health Portishead, this is a great read and a helpful reminder of how small daily habits can support long-term health.
Link in bio
When is root canal treatment needed?
It’s a question many patients ask — and in this video, Richard explains it clearly and simply.
Root canal treatment is usually needed when the nerve inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen because of deep decay, a crack in the tooth, repeated dental work, or sometimes after an injury.
You might experience symptoms like persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, pain when biting, or swelling around the gum. However, sometimes there are very few symptoms at all — which is why regular check-ups at the practice are so important.
The good news is that root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. It removes the infection, saves the natural tooth, and helps you avoid extraction.
Watch Richard’s video to understand the signs to look out for — and if you’re worried about a tooth, get in touch with our reception team for advice.
Smile Hack 🍎🥕
Love a sweet treat? Jane shares a simple swap that your teeth will thank you for.
Sticky sweets cling to your teeth and sit in the tiny grooves for longer, feeding the bacteria that cause decay. The longer they stick around, the more damage they can do.
Instead, try swapping them for crunchy veg or a handful of nuts. Foods like carrots, cucumber and peppers have a natural crunch that helps stimulate saliva, which protects your teeth. Nuts are also a lower-sugar option and far less likely to cling to enamel.
Small changes really do make a big difference over time.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual?
It’s a question we’re asked a lot at the practice – and in this video, Carol gives a clear, honest answer.
Electric toothbrushes can make it easier to clean effectively, especially if you struggle with technique, brushing for long enough, or reaching certain areas. Many people find they remove plaque more consistently, simply because they do most of the work for you.
That said, a manual toothbrush can still do a great job when used properly. It’s less about the brush itself and more about how you use it.
Watch Carol’s quick explanation to find out what we usually recommend – and how to make sure you’re getting the most from your brushing routine.
If you’re unsure whether your brushing technique is working for you, mention it at your next appointment and we’ll be happy to guide you. 🪥
Our Gromits have become quite the local celebrities here at Evolve 🐾💛
So many of you pop into our patient lounge just to see the collection, and we love how much joy they bring to patients of all ages.
At the moment, two of our Gromits seem to have wandered off on an adventure! We’re hoping they simply need a little help finding their way home.
If you happen to spot them locally or see anything that looks like part of our collection being sold, we’d really appreciate you letting us know. You can message us privately or call the practice.
They’re part of what makes Evolve feel like Evolve — and we’d love to have the whole family back together again.
Thank you for always looking out for us 💛
#Portishead
#PortisheadLife
#PortisheadBusiness
#NorthSomerset
#BristolAndBeyond
#ShopLocalSomerset
#supportlocalbusinesses❤️ #Gromit
#GromitSpotting
#WallaceAndGromit
#Aardman
#GromitUnleashed
#gromitfans #CommunityMatters
#KeepingItLocal
#SpreadTheWord
#HelpUsFindThem
😴 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.
