WELCOME TO THE MAPLE LEAF TIMES BLOG

A couple of articles are added each month with many more articles provided in the CAS's Maple Leaf Times (eMLT) magazine. To receive your eMLT magazine sent directly to your inbox (8 issues per year), become a member of the Canadian Association of Singapore. Visit the CAS website to register -- www.canadians.org.sg

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Ask the Dentist: Is your child at risk of tooth decay?

 



Tooth decay, or early childhood caries (ECC), is the most common chronic disease among children—and it’s largely preventable. Yet, the statistics are alarming. According to the National Dental Center of Singapore, about one in two children in Singapore suffers from tooth decay before entering kindergarten.

Early signs of decay are often overlooked, as many parents assume that baby teeth do not require significant care because they will eventually fall out. However, healthy baby teeth play a critical role in nutrition, speech development, and guiding the alignment of permanent teeth. When tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to pain, infections, disrupted sleep, and even developmental delays.

What causes tooth decay in children? 


It results from a combination of factors:
• Bacteria that produce acid, damaging teeth
• Frequent consumption of sugary foods, milk, or juice
• Allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing sweet liquids
• Poor oral hygiene habits 

Early prevention is crucial. Experts recommend starting oral hygiene even before the first tooth erupts. Introducing a toothbrush when the first tooth appears can help establish healthy habits. Ideally, children should visit the dentist between six to twelve months of age to address risks before problems arise. 

How to prevent tooth decay in children? 


Start with good oral hygiene and healthy habits:
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Ensure effective brushing from an early age.
• Schedule regular dental visits when your child turns one year old. 

By prioritising oral health early, you can protect your children from unnecessary pain and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Don't wait for cavities to form—start preventive care today!

***********

Dr Steven Soo is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He was formerly a Clinical Lecturer at the Eastman Dental Institute and Clinical Teacher at the GKT Dental Institute, both of which are affiliated with the University of London. Dr Soo has a special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry. He also enjoys seeing children. 



How Canadian International School’s bilingual approach shapes future-ready students

 


In a world that increasingly values cultural understanding and communication, bilingual education has become more than a skill—it’s a necessity. That’s why the Canadian International School (CIS) made it a priority to introduce its bilingual programmes early on. In fact, CIS was the first international school in Singapore to offer a Chinese-English Bilingual programme that not only teaches languages but empowers students to thrive in a globalised world.

CIS’s Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes are built on a unique 50-50 immersive approach, giving students equal exposure to both languages without relying on translation. Starting as early as pre-kindergarten, students engage with a curriculum that integrates language learning into their daily lives, fostering fluency and deep cultural connections.

The results speak for themselves. At the prestigious 3rd Global Chinese Writing Competition, 50 CIS students earned awards across global and regional categories, including championship titles, with the school being honoured as an “Outstanding School for Chinese Writing Teaching”. Additionally, CIS’s secondary French students achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate in the DELF tests, cementing the school’s reputation for academic excellence.

CIS is also at the forefront of thought leadership in bilingual education. This year, the school hosted the 2024 International Bilingual and Multilingual Conference, welcoming professors from Cambridge, Peking University, and over 100 educators from across Asia. Through workshops and discussions, these educators will share best practices, curriculum innovations, and strategies to enhance bilingual teaching worldwide.

CIS offers not just a programme but a proven pathway to success. Learn more about it at their Bilingual Open House on 17 January 2025 January 2025, on 17 January 2025, where you can see how CIS’s expertise shapes future-ready students. 





Friday, November 1, 2024

What are the treatment options for a child with a missing tooth?

 


If your child lost a tooth from a fall or injury, it's important to act quickly. Timely dental care is essential for the long-term health of an injured tooth. In fact, getting treatment within the first few hours can often determine whether the tooth can be saved or not. 

Tooth loss due to trauma is common in active children. Fortunately, there are treatment options to replace missing teeth. 

  • For baby teeth: No immediate treatment is usually required if a baby tooth is lost. The adult tooth will usually develop on its own, but regular dental check-ups can ensure your child's teeth are developing properly. 
  • For permanent teeth: If a permanent tooth is lost, the treatment options will depend on your child's age and how developed their jaw is. 
  • A space maintainer helps to keep the gap open for the adult tooth to grow in later or in preparation for future treatments, such as braces. 
  • A dental bridge involves placing a false tooth in the gap until your child is old enough for a more permanent solution, like a dental implant. 
  • A removable partial denture is a non-invasive option. It's a temporary false tooth that your child can take out, offering a practical solution for both eating and appearance. 

As your child’s jaw fully matures, a dental implant might become an option. Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, but are typically recommended after teenage years, when jaw development is complete. 

The best treatment option will depend on your child's age, jaw development, and overall oral health. Consulting with your dentist is crucial to determine the most appropriate solution for your child's needs.


Dr Tan Kian Meng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He is also a Clinical Lecturer at the National University of Singapore and Diplomate with the American Board of Prosthodontics. He was formerly a Consultant at Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Fellow of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Oncologic Dentistry Fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr Tan has special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry. 

You’re invited to a Magical Garden Party!

 


Looking for the perfect family day out that is fun and educational? Bring your little ones to the Magical Garden Party at Canadian International School (CIS), happening on Saturday, 23 November 2024, from 9:30am to 11:30am. 

Enjoy a range of fun-filled activities that are educationally designed for learners aged 2 to 8, led by CIS teachers. These activities incorporate CIS’s unique teaching approach to help their youngest learners develop essential skills such as critical thinking, language development, and problem-solving skills. 


Betty butterfly’s arts studio. 

Spread your creative wings and craft your very own butterfly or caterpillar crowns. 

Charlie caterpillar’s obstacle course. 

Learn about the PE programme as you venture into the caterpillar’s cocoon and work your way through exciting obstacle courses.

Iggy inchworms ice sculpture. 

Dive into the wonders of science by painting on ice and watch the artwork transform as the ice melts. 

Marty moth’s multilingual story corner. 

Listen to enchanting storytellers bring classic children’s stories to life in English, French and Chinese.

Sally spider’s web city

Explore art and maths concepts as you help Sally spider spin a web that is symmetrical and beautiful. 

Aunty ant’s mud & sand kitchen 

Explore maths and science concepts such as counting, measurement, shape and volume as you experiment and play in the mud and sand. 

Outdoor learning is at the heart of CIS’s kindergarten curriculum, and the 2,600-square-metre Outdoor Discovery Centre offers an inspiring environment for children to explore, experiment, and learn through play. 

The Magical Garden Party celebrates 9 years of outdoor learning at CIS’s Outdoor Discovery Centre (ODC), a first-of-its-kind in Singapore that was so groundbreaking it caught the attention of Sir Ken Robinson, British author and expert in creativity and education. CIS’s ODC was also honoured as one of Finland’s HundrED innovations, earning recognition in media worldwide 


The Magical Garden Party promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family, and a perfect way to discover how CIS students discover, learn and thrive in a nature-filled setting. 

Register now to secure your spot. We can’t wait to see you at our Magical Garden Party!