Flossing – Why You Can't Do Without It

Contributed by Specialist Dental Group


A recent survey by Kelton Research of 1,001 American adults has found that dental hygiene is the most important factor that affects the way people perceive an individual, ultimately affecting his or her social interactions.

Brushing alone is insufficient for achieving that bright sparkle. Toothbrushes are not able to reach in between individual teeth, thus allowing microscopic residue of food to remain on the surface of the enamel, which over time turns into plaque. Flossing and brushing your teeth daily are the best ways to ensure that your teeth are free from plaque, gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease.


It is important to cultivate a habit of flossing from a young age because the damage done can be costly. Plaque accumulates quickly over a short period of time. Those with the highest amount of plaque (and corresponding bacteria) in their mouth are more susceptible to gum disease, which is closely linked to heart disease.

We recommend flossing at least once at the end of the day; although, ideally, one should floss after every meal. If light flossing constantly results in bleeding gums, it could be a sign of gum disease, in which case it is always best to consult a dentist or gum specialist (periodontist).

Diligent flossing combined with good brushing and regular dental checkups will go a long way in helping to ensure that your teeth stay bright and healthy for a lifetime.

Specialist Dental Group is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. For more information on different types of dental treatments, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883.

CIS Volunteers meet the Prime Minister at the Chingay Parade

By Tanya Nizam

On the 11th and 12th of February, 25 CIS High School students volunteered to be cheerleading motivators at the Chingay parade. Following two afternoon sessions of training, the motivators spent two 7 hour shifts receiving guests, chanting rhymes, tossing pompoms and generally adding to the buzzing atmosphere of Chingay.


On the first night, they were rewarded for their efforts by being invited to an exclusive gathering with the
Prime Minister. It was truly a weekend to remember.

Mardi Gras Challenge Dragon Boat Race

By Sally Monteith

The boats were lined up under the bridge.  The starter called the commands, and on “GO!” we were off.  Frantic paddling and enthusiastic shouting and counting was the order of the afternoon as 11 boats teamed up against each other to race around the Kallang Basin and to complete crazy tasks.

What kind of event was this you ask?  It was the Mardi Gras Challenge Dragon Boat Race, hosted by the American Dragons.  The 11 participating boats were a mix of people from all dragon boat teams that paddle out of the Kallang River. They were made up of members from the Canadian, American, British, Australian, Irish, Spanish and Filipino teams.  What a great way to meet people!  Some of the tasks consisted of drinking beers dropped from a bridge via a bucket. Each team member had to polish one off and the empty cans were returned as proof that the task was complete. Lots of cheering came from the boat members as well as people who were crossing the bridge and simply got caught up in the excitement.

With paddles and water flying, there was some jostling while teams raced to get to the basketball throw first. By far the longest and most tiring challenge was to paddle all the way to the Merlion to receive some
lingerie for our cox (the steersperson) to wear.  What a sight that was for all the visitors to the Merlion that day.  Many were cheering as the boats came up to the Merlion and the hollers got even louder as the cox added the lingerie to their current state of dress.  Once this task was done, depending on the order in which you attacked these stations, there were three more to complete: the football toss, the whiskey shots and the pie eating station.  This 7 km challenge paddle is not the normal practice for a Saturday afternoon. Nonetheless, great fun was had by all during the race and at the afterwards there were celebrations on the banks of the Kallang River while we shared food and drink.

We practice 3 times a week, Saturday afternoons from 4 – 6pm, Sunday mornings from 10 – 12pm and Thursday evenings from 6 – 7pm. Come about 20 minutes early to get set up with a life jacket (a requirement for paddling) and a paddle and, if needed, a quick introductory lesson to help you through your first practice session. New paddlers are always welcome, so come on out! There is no need to be Canadian if you’d like to join, all nationalities are invited to participate and enjoy the fun and socialising that always comes with a paddling session. The more the merrier! See you at the next practice.

OUT & ABOUT IN SINGAPORE: Kampong Glam

Text by Lianne Chilton 

Photos by Isabel Jones  (except for the photo of the drumming which is by Lianne Chilto) 

After a quick coffee and even quicker history lesson we headed off for our first stop in the Kampong Glam Historic District. Haji Lane was quiet and peaceful as most of the businesses do not open until later in the day. We were able to stroll down the middle of the lane and admire the shophouses and storefronts of the often one of a kind fashion boutiques and cafe/bars. We cut across Arab Street to Bussorah Street and wandered up the pedestrian mall. The Little Shophouse owners gave us a Peranakan beading demonstration and talked about their hand-crafted Peranakan slippers.  

In the Sultan Arts Village on Sultan Gate we were treated to a drumming demonstration by the owner of Tribal Arts.   I must say, some of the ladies showed promising talent as they beat out a rhythm on the drums with Sonny Wee.  Our final stop was a batik workshop with batik artist Imelda Sarkasi in a classroom at the Sultan Mosque.  We all tried our hand at batik painting and left with our signed masterpieces as a reminder of our morning.  Lunch was a delicious Malay buffet at Tepak Sireh Restaurant in the “Yellow Mansion” beside the site of the Malay Heritage Centre.  Moe, the restaurant manager, welcomed us warmly and gave us a brief history of the building as well as a tour of the upstairs throne room.  Who knew we were all queens at heart??