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As we approach Mental Health Awareness Week (12 th -18 th May) we asked registered Nutritionist, Ruth Seymour to explore the connection between dental & mental health.
When we think of mental health, we rarely consider how our oral health may be impacting on our mood, anxiety levels or risk of depression. But research increasingly shows that your mouth and mind are in a surprisingly tight relationship.
Your mouth isn’t just the start of the digestive tract—it’s also home to a teeming ecosystem of over 700 species of bacteria known as the oral microbiome. When in balance, this microbial mix helps protect against infection, supports your immune system, and even contributes to nitric oxide production, which helps regulate blood pressure and brain function. But just like in the gut, when this microbiome is disrupted or imbalanced – what researchers call oral dysbiosis – things can start to go downhill fast. A 2023 review in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology explained that oral dysbiosis can contribute to systemic inflammation, which in turn plays a role in the development of depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Let’s talk about periodontitis, aka advanced gum disease. It’s not just about receding gums and bad breath. Periodontitis triggers chronic low-grade inflammation molecules that don’t stay put in your mouth. They travel. This matters because chronic inflammation is a known contributor to depression. A 2021 study looked at over 4,000 adults and found a significant association between periodontitis and higher depressive symptoms, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors and health behaviours.
You’ve probably heard about your gut microbiome. But did you know you have a separate one in your mouth? However, the two don’t exist in isolation. What goes on in your oral microbiome also feeds into your gut microbiome. Swallowed saliva carries bacteria from your mouth to your gut daily. If your oral microbiome is out of whack, it can disrupt the gut microbiota too, setting off a chain reaction that affects the gut-brain axis—the superhighway connecting your digestive system and central nervous system. A 2022 review in Journal of Oral Microbiology noted that certain pathogenic oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum can translocate to the brain or gut, contributing to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.
Beyond biology, there’s also the emotional impact of poor dental health. Missing teeth, visible decay and bad breath can erode confidence, reduce social interactions, and increase the risk of isolation and loneliness, especially in older adults. A study from BMC Oral Health (2020) found that tooth loss was significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem in middle-aged and older adults.
1. Brush and floss
Twice-daily brushing and daily flossing reduces plaque buildup and lowers the risk of gum disease, which reduces systemic inflammation.
2. Don’t skip check-ups
Your dentist isn’t just looking for cavities, they’re screening for early signs of inflammation, infection, or oral cancers. Routine cleanings also keep the microbiome in check.
3. Eat for oral and gut health
Diets high in sugar and refined carbs feed the bad bacteria in both your mouth and gut. Instead, focus on fibre-rich veggies, polyphenols (like those in berries and green tea), and fermented foods for a healthy microbiome ecosystem.
4. Stay hydrated
Dry mouth equals bad bacteria paradise. Drink plenty of water.
5. Avoid antibacterial mouthwashes
Unless prescribed, skip daily use of strong antimicrobial mouthwashes. These can kill off beneficial bacteria and worsen oral dysbiosis.
6. Manage Stress
Stress doesn’t just affect your mind—it weakens your immune system and can worsen gum inflammation. Daily mindfulness, breathwork, exercise, or therapy can help.
So, the next time you’re brushing your teeth, remember you aren’t just keeping your teeth shiny, you’re supporting a whole ecosystem of crucial bacteria that help support your mental wellbeing too.
If you’d like to book a free 20-minute chat with Ruth to discuss how nutrition and lifestyle changes may support your health challenges you can do so here. Find our more on Ruth’s
website www.rootandrenewnutrition.co.uk
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
