Face
Dentistry
…There’s usually stained teeth and gum disease. Patients are often surprised that a dentist can tell that they smoke by looking in their mouths.
Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for their health. The graphic images on cigarette packs these days serve as a constant reminder. Many, however, still don’t realise the damage that smoking does to their mouth, gums and teeth.
On the cosmetic front, smoking contributes to tooth discolouration. The tar and nicotine found in cigarettes can stain the enamel of teeth, creating a yellowish or brownish appearance. This discolouration is often stubborn and difficult to remove through regular brushing or dental cleanings. Smoking can also lead to bad breath, as it dries out the mouth and promotes the growth of bacteria that cause foul odours.
More seriously, smoking can also result in gum disease Smokers are more likely to produce bacterial plaque which leads to the condition. The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t heal. Gum disease progresses quicker in smokers than in non-smokers. And gum disease is still the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
More serious still is the fact that oral cancer is caused by tobacco. The chemicals in tobacco smoke, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are carcinogenic and can damage the DNA of cells in the oral cavity.
Nearly 1,900 people die from oral cancer each year in England and rates are increasing, especially among younger people.
And what about vaping? Smoking e-cigarettes may seem less harmful than smoking regular cigarettes. Yet this may not be the case for the health of your mouth.
When you vape, you inhale e-liquids which, even when labelled ‘nicotine-free’, can contain harmful substances, although in low levels. These include:
The risk of vaping devices causing problems in your mouth is much higher if they contain nicotine.
While vaping is endorsed by the NHS, it is only on the grounds of being a temporary support aid to quitting smoking and staying quit. The long-term effects of vaping are not known. Yet there is some evidence that vaping can cause inflammation in the mouth, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. Temporary loss of taste may happen in some people too (also called vape tongue).
So, with new year resolutions on the horizon, is it time to think about quitting the habit? You don’t have to go cold turkey. Reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke to start off with will help. And your dental team are ready to assist you. We often work with local smoking cessation teams, so advice and support are always at hand. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2024!
Can you spot the odd object? 🔍
This summer, we’re proud to be taking part in the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station Spot the Odd Object trail! 🚤❤️
From 25 July to 29 August, explore Portishead, visit participating businesses and see if you can spot the mystery object hidden in each window - including ours here at Evolve Dentistry!
Not only is it a great way to enjoy a family day out, but every £5 entry helps support the incredible volunteers at RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe at sea.
📍 Visit our practice and see if you can find our hidden object.
👀 Don’t forget to complete your entry form for your chance to win one of the fantastic cash prizes!
If you take part, we’d love to see your photos - tag Evolve Dentistry and let us know when you’ve found our mystery object!
Good luck… and happy spotting! 🔎💙
#Portishead #RNLI #SpotTheOddObject #SupportLocal #FamilyFun #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadEvents #SummerHolidays
Will composite bonding damage my teeth?
It’s a common concern, especially for patients who want to improve their smile while protecting their natural teeth.
The good news is that composite bonding is often one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available. In many cases, little or no preparation of the tooth is required, meaning your natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of:
✔ Chipped teeth
✔ Small gaps between teeth
✔ Uneven tooth shapes
✔ Worn edges
✔ Minor imperfections
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, many patients choose composite bonding when they want to enhance their smile without significant changes to their natural teeth.
Every smile is unique, so we’ll always discuss your options and explain exactly what’s involved before any treatment begins.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #compositebonding #smilemakeovers #cosmeticdentistry #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #smiledesign #bonding #confidentsmile #cosmeticsmile
Reading comments like this reminds us why we do what we do.
Helping people feel comfortable and cared for is just as important as providing great dentistry.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could be grinding your teeth every night… without even knowing it. 😴
Many people assume they’d know if they were clenching or grinding their teeth.
In reality, most don’t.
As Richard explains, while we’re asleep our brains continue processing the events and stresses of the day. For some people, that stress is released through clenching or grinding their teeth - but because the part of the brain that would normally recognise it is effectively switched off during sleep, we often have no idea it’s happening.
Over time, tooth grinding can contribute to:
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Disrupted sleep
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning them at your next appointment. We can look for the signs of tooth grinding and discuss ways to help protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Have you ever been told you grind your teeth, or has someone heard you doing it while you sleep?
#ToothGrinding #Bruxism #HealthySmile #DentalHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
✨ Looking for a role where people matter?
We’re searching for a new Front of House Team Member to join our award-winning team at Evolve Dentistry.
This isn’t just about answering the phone or booking appointments.
It’s about creating the kind of welcome that makes people feel relaxed from the moment they walk through our doors. It’s remembering the little things, taking pride in every interaction and helping deliver an experience that patients genuinely talk about.
If you’re warm, organised, love looking after people and enjoy being part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
Experience in dentistry isn’t essential. We’re looking for the right person with the right attitude - someone who genuinely enjoys making a difference to someone’s day.
If that sounds like you, or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you - hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk
📍 Portishead
💙 Award-winning team culture
☕ Every patient welcomed like a guest
Please share this post with anyone who might be the perfect fit.
🚦 Travelling to Evolve? Please allow a little extra time.
If you’re visiting us over the next few weeks, please be aware that there are temporary traffic lights on the Portbury Hundred until 10th August, which are causing delays, particularly at busier times of the day.
We’d hate for your journey to add any unnecessary stress, so if you have an appointment with us, we’d recommend allowing a little extra travel time.
If you think you may be delayed, please give our reception team a call and we’ll do everything we can to help.
Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to the practice. 💙
“Great patient focus and excellent staff and facilities.”
Those few words mean a great deal to us.
Because creating an exceptional experience isn’t just about modern facilities - it’s about making every person who walks through our doors feel welcomed, listened to and genuinely cared for.
Every interaction matters, from your first phone call to the moment you leave the practice.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in our recent patient survey. Your kind words remind us why we do what we do, and inspire us to keep making every experience the best that it can be. 💙
#EvolveDentistry #PatientExperience #PatientFeedback #Portishead #Compassion #ExceptionalCare
