With The Great British Bake Off returning to our screens, many of us will be inspired to dig out our mixing bowls and create our own showstopping treats at home.
One person who knows the joy of baking all too well is Dr Laxmi Hegde, a general dentist at mydentist Bridgewater. Away from the surgery, Laxmi has built a reputation as the practice’s very own ‘star baker’, delighting colleagues, friends and family with her spectacular cakes and cupcakes.
Patience, precision – and piping
Laxmi first discovered baking in May 2020 while on maternity leave during the first COVID-19 lockdown. She commented: “I was on maternity leave, and I remember my social media feeds suddenly becoming full of people baking, so I started to experiment with it.
At first, I thought baking would be just like cooking, so I did not follow a recipe. I added random ingredients without measuring anything out – it was a disaster! But with some practice (and a recipe) I got better and started to really enjoy it.”
Since then, she’s perfected her craft. When asked about her most successful creation to date, Laxmi commented: “It would have to be my son’s first birthday cake. It was a 4-layer vanilla sponge cake with buttercream decorations. I managed to pull off a stripy finish and it turned out beautifully.”
For Laxmi, baking is more than just a hobby: “Between two kids, postgraduate study and work, it is hard to find time for myself. But baking is like therapy to me. It helps me relax. There is also a definite crossover between baking and dentistry – both requiring patience and a steady hand.”
When it comes to how Laxmi's hobby affects the team in practice, Leanne Villers, Practice Manager at mydentist Bridgewater, commented: “Laxmi is modest about her skills as a baker, but her cakes are magnificent. We couldn’t believe she was so gifted! It is such a treat when she brings cupcakes in for the team, they’re the perfect pick-me-up, and it always puts a smile on everyone’s faces.”
Enjoying Bake Off bakes without risking your smile
If you're inspired by our favourite baker or plan to perfect some home bakes during this season of Bake Off, you may want to know more about enjoying your favourite treats without putting your teeth at risk. We asked our Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Nyree Whitley, for her advice:
Why is sugar harmful for teeth?
“When we eat sugar, it interacts with the bacteria in plaque to produce acid, which can slowly dissolve the enamel on our teeth and create holes or cavities. I recommend that, if you do enjoy a treat, do so in moderation and preferably after meals when saliva production is at its highest, helping to protect teeth from sugar's harmful effects.”
What are some ways to limit damage to teeth when baking or eating sweet treats?
“If you have a naturally sweet tooth, try to enjoy sugar in balance and opt for unprocessed forms of sugar where possible. If you find that they usually reach for sweets, try switching them out for dark chocolate and enjoy it in moderation to maintain a healthy smile."
Inspired to bake?
Whether you’re recreating a Bake-Off technical challenge at home or whipping up your own showstopper, remember that enjoying sweet treats is all about balance. A few small changes can make a big difference for your smile:
While you're experimenting in the kitchen, we’re here to help you feel confident in your smile without compromising your health. If you want dental advice tailored to you, your local mydentist team is here to support you every step of the way.
With appointments available at practices across the UK and finance options to spread the cost, there’s never been a better time to start your smile journey. If you're new to mydentist and looking for a practice, find your local mydentist practice today. Or browse our comprehensive treatment offering or find more information about mydentist at www.mydentist.co.uk.