ASK THE DENTIST: How to keep your smile healthy this festive season?

The festive season is here - bringing family gatherings, late-night catchups, and plenty of delicious treats. While it’s perfectly fine to indulge, our teeth often take the hit without us realising. With a few simple habits, you can enjoy every moment and keep your smile feeling its best.

1. Be Mindful of Sugary Snacks

It’s almost impossible to avoid chocolates, cookies, and sweet treats at this time of year. Enjoy them in moderation. A helpful tip is to have sweets alongside meals rather than grazing throughout the day. This reduces the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar.

2. Balance with Water

With festive drinks flowing, don’t forget to sip water regularly. It does more than keep you hydrated — it helps rinse away food particles, neutralise acids, and prevent that dry, sticky feeling in your mouth.

3. Keep Your Routine Going

Busy schedules and late nights can disrupt even the best habits, but brushing and flossing still matter. Stick to brushing twice a day and flossing daily. If you know you’ll be out all day, a small travel toothbrush in your bag can be a lifesaver.

4. Give Your Teeth a Break with Better Snacks

Between indulgences, choose tooth-friendly options such as cheese, fruits, or vegetables. They’re satisfying, nutritious, and kinder to your teeth.

5. Schedule That Dental Visit

If it’s been more than six months since your last check-up, the start of the year is a great time to pop by. A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach.

With a little extra care, your smile can stay bright and healthy all season long. Here’s to good food, great company, and confident smiles!

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Dr Irene Sim is an Endodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularisation, apexification, nonvital bleaching & cracked teeth management.

http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Celebrate 35 Years of Firsts with CIS

CIS has celebrated many firsts over the years. From launching one of Singapore’s earliest award-winning bilingual programmes, to becoming the first international school to fully embed STEAM into everyday learning, to reimagining experiential education with a purpose-built Outdoor Discovery Centre, CIS has continually pushed what school can be.

For 35 years, the Canadian International School (CIS) has been growing, learning and evolving alongside families in Singapore. What started in 1990 as a small Canadian prep school has become one of the country’s most established international IB World schools built on curiosity, connection and a belief that education should open doors.

With a strong International Baccalaureate foundation, now complemented by Advanced Placement pathways, CIS continues to look ahead, helping students build confidence, ask meaningful questions and find their place in a changing world.

On Saturday 14 March, the school invites everyone to join their 35-year journey celebrations and explore what makes CIS international, inclusive and community-driven.

Expect an afternoon packed with fun for all ages, from Human Foosball, Water Ninja Courses, Go-Kart races and Floor Is Lava, to giant Tetris, STEAM design challenges and live music. Our Canadian neighbours Air Canada and Tim Hortons will be joining us with timbits, maple syrup pancakes and family-friendly favourites to enjoy.

The day brings together Heritage, Community and Innovation, each sharing a part of the CIS story. Whether you’re part of the CIS journey or discovering it for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, celebrate and look ahead together.

Register your spot and celebrate 35 years of CIS.

CIS launches an IB and AP Blended Pathway

As families consider secondary options, a common question arises: which programme best prepares your child for future challenges? The newly launched blended pathway at CIS gives students from the best of both worlds, building on the strong foundation of the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) while adding Advanced Placement (AP) courses for extra depth, choice, and flexibility.

Building on the IB foundation

The IB Diploma is renowned for its emphasis on critical thinking, global awareness, and academic balance. Universities value the IB for the depth and maturity it builds. The blended pathway enhances this foundation. By combining IB and AP courses, students can personalise their academic profile to their strengths and future goals while maintaining the academic breadth and rigour of the IB structure.

Flexibility and choice

The IB and AP blended approach offers plenty of flexibility and choice for students. At CIS, students in grades 9 and above (ages 14-17) can choose from more than 20 AP courses across a wide range of subjects. For example, a student interested in Business might pair IB Higher Level Economics with AP Statistics; a student passionate about science and technology could combine IB Physics with AP Calculus BC; and a student focused on humanities might add AP Psychology to complement their IB studies. 

Both IB and AP are widely recognised by universities around the world, and AP courses can earn students credit or advanced placement, giving them a head start in higher education.

What this means for your child

The blended pathway allows your child to tailor their learning journey, pursue passions, and challenge themselves. It means standing out with a distinctive academic profile that signals resilience, intelligence, and readiness for the demands of university. The best part? Whether your child takes the full IB or the IB and AP blended pathway, they’re still headed for the same destination: top universities and exciting opportunities ahead.

Book a tour with us to explore how we can support your child’s goals.

Ask the dentist: Do I need fluoride treatment after dental cleaning?

 

After a routine dental cleaning (scaling and polishing), your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth. Is it necessary? Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

What is fluoride treatment?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. In dentistry, concentrated fluoride is applied directly to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. This quick procedure offers added protection against decay, making it a valuable addition to your regular oral care routine.

Types of fluoride treatment

Topical fluoride

Applied directly to the teeth and is found in toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride content, as well as In-clinic gels or foams. These work by strengthening enamel and increasing resistance to acid attacks.

Fluoride varnish

A highly concentrated fluoride coating is painted onto the teeth by a dentist. It is long-lasting and is especially beneficial for children and patients at high risk of decay.

Why is fluoride helpful?

Fluoride helps:

• Remineralise weakened enamel

• Reduce cavity risk

• Decrease tooth sensitivity

• Protect exposed roots in patients with gum recession

• Individuals with dry mouth (xerostomia)

How often is it needed?

Most people get enough fluoride from daily toothpaste and mouthwash. However, high-risk patients may benefit from fluoride varnish every six months or more frequently, as advised by your dentist. Fluoride treatment is a practical, low-effort way to strengthen enamel and prevent decay. If you’re unsure whether you need it, speak to your dentist; they can guide you based on your oral health and risk level.

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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.
www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883