Missing a Tooth… What’s wrong with it?

Contributed by Specialist Dental Group


Many people think that losing a tooth is not a big deal, especially if it is a back tooth, as aesthetically few people would notice the resulting gap. Thus, some people may decide to postpone replacing the missing tooth for the time being since there is usually little discomfort from a missing tooth.

There are many reasons to replace missing teeth sooner rather than later:

• Losing your bone: When our teeth are missing, the gums that support the teeth recede and bone loss also occurs. 
• When gum tissue and bone are destroyed, an experienced dentist will be able to carry out bone grafting and place a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. 
• Sunken facial structure: Our teeth and gums provide support to our face. After teeth are lost, ongoing shrinkage of the jawbone occurs, making the face look shorter. Replacing the missing tooth gives support to the cheek and overall facial structure, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
• Teeth start drifting apart: If there are gaps in the mouth, the adjacent teeth will start moving. Over time, there will be gaps between the teeth, making the treatment plan in replacing the one missing tooth more challenging. 

Understanding the need to replace missing teeth is important.  Address the problem when it is simpler and cheaper. Prevention is always better than cure. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist will help you preserve your natural teeth as long as possible.


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

Tribute to CIS Graduating Class of 2011

By: Michelle Sharp, Head of Communications & Marketing

After a busy and productive school year, June 17, 2011 marked the end of an era for the 2010/2011 graduating class of the Canadian International School (CIS). We collectively said good bye to a diverse group of talented students who: studied hard throughout Grade 11 and 12 in order to graduate,
negotiated with their teachers, acted as role models for the Middle School students that they shared a campus with, built houses in Cambodia for those less fortunate, and entertained us at CIS events such as Beat Freaked.

The CIS class of 2011 donned their black caps and gowns and jubilantly crossed the stage to receive their High School Diplomas. This year’s recipient of the Governor General’s award was Eashita Ratwani. Eleven deserving graduates also had the privilege of earning the Ontario Scholars award, an award that goes to students with outstanding academic results.

The graduation ceremony included a reflection of student life at CIS across the years that brought a tear to the eye of most people in the room, teachers included. Three of the graduating class had been students at CIS for 13 years, an amazing feat for children of expats.  School Valedictorian Jamil Schultz spoke eloquently and amusingly about his graduating class, his time at CIS, and of his plans for the future. Jamil’s trademark humour came into play as he ended his valedictorian speech with a tribute to a character most of his fellow students remembered from their childhood – Pokémon!

This year’s cohort of graduates will scatter across the globe as they leave to attend universities in countries such as Canada, Australia, UK, USA, Korea, Japan and Singapore in the upcoming academic year.

We wish these delightful, young global citizens all the best for their futures. Bon Voyage and Good Luck!

News From The Canadian Dragons

In June, eleven female paddlers from the CANADIAN DRAGONS team participated in the Dragon Divas Regatta – 200m race. The annual event was put together by the British and German Dragon Boat teams. It was a friendly competition between the female paddlers of all the dragon boat teams in Singapore. We had lots of fun, but sadly did not place.

Singapore Dragon Boat Festival 2011 – 800m, was our second race in the summer. It was held in July at Bedok Reservoir.  We won silver for the Inter International Business Community (Open) and came second in the plate final for the 12 crew National Championships (Women).

Recently, we had our recruitment drive and BBQ. The attendance was great! It is always heartwarming to see new people trying our sports and paddle with us.

Also in June, we bid farewell to our longstanding members – Ken Tully, Anne Purcell and Patricia Dingelstad who moved to other countries due to job allocations.

Out & About In Singapore: 22 June, Morning Glory boat tour aboard the Cheng Ho, a Ming Dynasty imperial vessel Tour

Photos by Moonlake Lee

We had a picture perfect morning aboard the Ho Cheng, Chinese style junk.  Our lively group included six children as well as well as twelve youthful adults.  We took advantage of the pick up service from Orchard Road hotels, and were then escorted to the South Marina Pier.

Upon boarding we had plenty of room to roam the three levels of the ship.  With indoor air conditioning  and various decks to enjoy the breezy morning air, we were comfortable to wander.  The children enjoyed the space to play, yet were still in view of the adults.

The ship set out and we enjoyed the views of Singapore from the water.  The Marina Bay area and then the Central Business District are breathtaking!  We passed by the tankers and small islands.  The view of Sentosa is also captivating.  A couple of ladies aboard were able show us their condo on Sentosa and pointed out some of the new developments in the residential area.

Coffee, tea, and snacks were available on board as well as a bar offering more refreshments.  The highlight of cruise is the stop over at Kusu Island.  There are three Malay shrines and a Chinese temple as well as a turtle sanctuary.  The well developed island with beautiful garden setting, picnic areas, covered pagodas, and two lagoons make for perfect day trip.

For those who could not make this fun morning, I hope you will consider a fun cruise to entertain your family or visiting friends!