Ask The Dentist: Mouthguards

Q: My son will be joining his school’s soccer team next year. His teacher advised that we get him a mouthguard for protection. I think it is not as “physical” as rugby, so is it necessary? Are there any differences between a mouth-guard bought over-the-counter (OTC) and customised by a dentist? 

A: From time to time, our clinic sees patients who have suffered trauma to the teeth and mouth through sports injuries. It is estimated that 13% to 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports. 

Therefore, it is advised that a mouthguard be worn during any sport which poses a risk of contact to the face. The obvious sports would be rugby and boxing, while sports where unexpected contact may occur such as soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball and water polo are included too.

Prevention is better than cure

A mouth-guard would help to cushion one’s teeth and absorb the shock when an object hits one’s face or when a collision takes place. It helps to prevent the following:

• Chipped or broken teeth 
• Loosened teeth 
• Knocked out or displaced teeth 
• Lips and gum injuries 
• Fractured or broken jaw 

Injuries like these are not only painful, but also frequently require emergency treatments (eg. composite bonding, filling or root canal treatment) and in serious cases, require surgeries to restore the teeth, lips, gums and jaw to its original function and appearance. 

Not all mouthguards provide equal protection

As everyone has a unique teeth arrangement and mouth size, mouthguards that are custom-fitted by a dentist provide better protection. It is fitted nicely to one’s teeth so that one would be able to breathe, speak and drink easily. Comparatively, it is also less bulky and is more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

There are cases where patients sustained dental injuries even after wearing a mouthguard. One such case is a teenage girl who was hit by a hockey stick. Her front tooth was knocked out, one canine tooth chipped, and her lips and gums were split. She wore the typical “boil-and-bite” mouthguard which can be bought over-the-counter. As it was not properly fitted, there were little protection for the teeth.

A mouthguard that is bought at a pharmacy is definitely cheaper, but a custom-fit mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of potential major repairs to the teeth.

Other mouthguard tips

The material of the mouthguard should have a thickness of four millimetres and cover vulnerable areas such as the biting surfaces of the upper teeth and the visible surfaces of the six upper front teeth upon which the lips rest. 


It is recommended that the mouthguard is checked by a dentist every 12 months to ensure optimal fit and protection. When the mouthguard develops pits and/ or cracks, it is an indication to change a new one. These rough patches harbour bacteria and can break the skin on gums, giving opportunity for bacteria to enter the body. 

When not in use, the mouthguard should be stored in its protection case and at room temperature to ensure that it does not deform. One should also clean the case regularly with soapy water. 

Clean the mouth guard after each use by brushing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove debris, and then rinse with soapy water. 


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Dr Ho Kok Sen is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with Specialist Dental Group®. Dr Ho is a mentor, lecturer and examiner to students in the Graduate Diploma in Dental Implantology course at the National University of Singapore. Dr Ho is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Academy of Medicine Singapore. He has a special interest in dental implants, jaw surgery, bone grafting and complex extractions.

For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com
Phone: +65 6733 7883

CIS student wins first prize for Project X-Pired 2015!

Project X-Pired is a food art competition organised by Singapore Foodbank where participants convert expired food items into art pieces for a fundraising auction. The aim of the competition is to raise awareness about food wastage around the world. 

CIS Grade 5 student Aadya and her close friend Ananya, jointly entered in the competition and took home first prize in the junior category. Their stunning art piece depicted three recent disasters - two natural (the ongoing bushfires in Australia and earthquake in Nepal) and one manmade (the Syrian refugee crisis). All three events have led to acute food shortages, as well as leaving thousands of people homeless and devastated.

The rules of the competition allowed entrants to only use up to 20% of non food waste items (such as glue, paper and paints) in their artwork. This meant Aadya and Ananya had to be exceptionally creative and resourceful with the choice of materials. Their winning art piece was comprised of rice, thin and flat noodles, lentils, lacquer, paper, paint and glue.

“We are extremely proud of Aadya and Ananya’s achievement”, said Aadya’s mother. “The best part about it was watching them work together as a team and decide on the theme of their artwork and the events to be depicted in it. Team work at a young age gives kids a great opportunity for what they will eventually face in real life and the corporate world. I am so grateful Aadya has had this opportunity while still at school. I was educated following a very traditional schooling system where only textbooks were used and exams happened every quarter.” 

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To read more about CIS and their students’ achievements visit www.cis.edu.sg.

A Pilates Workout - Double Leg Stretch ..... it burns fat in your lower abs!

By Jessica Gan

A. Float your legs to 90 degrees tabletop position. 

B. Inhale through your nose. Exhale through pursed lips. As you exhale, contract your abs and "melt" that belly into the mat, slowly raise your neck. Keep the flexion without stressing it.

C. In the stationary position with your hands by the side of your legs, exhale again as you extend your limbs out. Think of lower abs here!

D. Repeat 10 reps.

If your neck is still getting stronger, you may also do the version with neck on the mat. The important thing is to avoid bobbing the neck.

The closer your legs are to the mat, the more you challenge yourself. Always keep your spine imprinted to that mat.

If you have knee pain and cannot jump around, yet need to lose lower abs adipose tissue; this can be a great option for you. In pilates (as in life), there are always options. Have a beautiful and fit life!

Are you triggered?

In recent years a movement has been on the rise. Driven largely by students, there is a growing quest to scour entire campuses clean of words, ideas and subjects that may cause discomfort or give offense. This increasing demand for protection from words and ideas students don’t like, known as “trigger words”, is a topic taken very seriously at McGill. Overall, it has led to a culture in which everyone must think twice before speaking up, lest they face possible accusations of insensitivity, aggression, or worse.

This new-found vulnerability towards micro-aggressions is a big change for many, and it is a culture clash in its own when it comes to simply understanding what exactly a “trigger word” can be. Seemingly innocuous topics of discussion such as euthanasia, war, and books like Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart are now forbidden in some places (not in Canada) for portraying racial violence that can “trigger” the recurrence of past trauma in some students. However, after the events that unfolded at Yale and Mizzou, the underlying reasons for this issue become open for debate. Both of these incidents, related to the weaponization of “safe space” are worth a read.

The ultimate aim is to turn campuses into “safe spaces” where young adults are shielded from words and ideas that make some uncomfortable and actually, measures have already been taken to do so. For example, all students residing in McGill Dorms must attend a mandatory 3-hour session on how to exercise such a safe space. Although it is argued that avoiding the things that cause fear can affect the perception on mental health, this concept is a reality that many college students will experience. So next time you find yourself within the McGill bubble, feel free ask someone “what is a safe space?” to get their take on the whole situation.

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John Nnamchi is a Canadian student at McGill University and will contribute his Montreal perspectives in each issue of the MLT.

Bad Breath

Q: I have to fly frequently for business trips. In my attempt to not have bad breath, I would normally brush my teeth before my night flights and try to not eat any food to keep my mouth “clean”. After all, no consumption of food means no bacteria right? Nonetheless, there would still be a smell in my breath after a few hours. Why is this so and what should I do to prevent the smell?

A: There is a misconception that by not eating, there would be no bacteria in our mouths. Since saliva is produced when one is eating or chewing food, the production of saliva decreases and bacteria increases when one skips a meal. Therefore, even when one has brushed one’s teeth but did not have any meals subsequently, bad breath may reoccur later the day.

Brush after your meals

It is recommended that you continue with your meals and brush 30 to 45 minutes after each meal. This will help to eradicate any lingering smell of food consumed and clean away bacteria that has formed. In addition to your teeth, remember to brush your tongue, cheeks, gums and palate (roof of your mouth) with toothpaste. This includes cleaning of removable dental appliances such as dentures and retainers, if applicable.

Here are some other tips to fight bad breath while you are travelling. 

Go alcohol-free and sugar-free

Alcohol is the most common drying agent found in food. It dries out the mouth, leading to a reduction in saliva production, and activating the bacteria that produces smelly sulphur compounds. Sugar also encourages the breeding of the bacteria. Therefore, do yourself a favour by staying away from alcohol and sugar during the flight.

Stay hydrated

When one is hydrated, saliva is produced consistently to clean the bacteria in one’s mouth, eliminating bad breath. Therefore, drink water regularly to prevent a dry mouth.

Gurgle with a moisturising mouthwash

Airplane dryness not only applies to one’s skin, but also to our mouth. Moisturising mouthwash can help to keep one’s breath fresh and prevent one’s mouth from drying out. When choosing mouthwash, look out for wordings that explicitly state its moisturising properties and that it does not contain alcohol/methanol.

Visit your dentist every six months

If one has persistent bad breath even after fulfilling all of the above, a visit to the dentist is strongly encouraged. It may be due to periodontal (gum) disease, dry mouth conditions (xerostomia) which may occur due to hormonal changes, or poor oral hygiene. Routine dental check-ups would also ensure plaque and bacteria that cannot be removed by brushing are removed by professional cleaning. 

Check your nose

Medical conditions such as sinus infections and post nasal drip can cause bad breath too. In serious cases, it would be a good idea to seek professional advice from an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist.

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Dr Helena Lee is a Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group®, Singapore. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer with the National University of Singapore. Dr Lee has a special interest in dental implants, gingival plastic surgery, and tissue grafting.

For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com.
Phone: +65 6733 7883

CIS opens spectacular new Outdoor Discovery Centre!

As one of Singapore’s leading international kindergartens,Canadian International School (CIS) kindergarten is delighted to announce the opening of a spectacular new Outdoor Discovery Centre for students at our Lakeside campus. This state-of-the-art, purpose-built area, is designed to allow young children to engage in sights, sounds, tastes and textures unique to the outdoors. It is also built to help children develop important social, gross motor, mathematic, observation and science skills.

Key Outdoor Discovery Centre Features:

Mud garden. 

This is a great place for children to make experiments and learn about math concepts such as pouring, measuring and capacity.

Edible vegetable garden. 

Children learn about the the importance of health and nutrition as well as the role the environment plays in growing food.

Natural pond. 

Children learn about water ecosystems and the important environmental functions it performs.

Art walls. 

Children collaborate together to produce large art murals using different types of media including leaves and flowers from the garden. They also develop literacy skills by writing and creating different shapes on the walls.

Sound garden.

Children discover and enjoy wonderful sounds generated by playing with chimes, plastic buckets and other items, attached to the purpose built walls.

Bicycle track, grassy hills and tunnels. 

These features are perfect for developing children’s gross motor skills and playing lots of fun games like ‘king of the hill’ and ‘hide and seek’. Children can also use the tunnels as a place to withdraw to for peace and reflection.


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To arrange a visit to experience our Outdoor Discovery Centre, or to learn more about our Kindergarten programme, simply sign up for one of our next Open Houses at www.cis.edu.sg/kindergarten

Travel With A Conscience

By Heavens Portfolio

Iniala Beach House has brought a new level of luxury hospitality to the Phuket region with three beautifully appointed villas (each with three suites) and one spectacular penthouse suite. The residence is a masterpiece of design fusing traditional Thai architecture with organic, contemporary forms featuring the work of world-renowned designers. Each villa comes with its own spa and personal therapist, while three- star Michelin Chef Eneko Atxa from Spain oversees the on-property restaurant Aziamendi.

For little ones, Iniala boasts The Kids’ Hotel, a space for children of all ages. Children can even opt to sleep here as the space is fully equipped with bunk beds and miniature robes and slippers and Iniala is delighted to staff the Kids’ Hotel upon request, enabling the young ones to have a holiday all their own and allowing adults some precious time together. Founder Mark Weingard owned a house at the site that is now Iniala when the devastating tsunami hit the Phuket region in 2004. The house was badly damaged and Weingard began to rebuild, but he was struck with the idea to create what is Iniala with the imaginations, innovation and inspiration of renowned designers. Thus, 10 world class designers were given carte blanche to create the different spaces, with the brief that each room must be “out of the ordinary”, yet practical and comfortable. Iniala also has a strong charitable philosophy with 10% of all room revenues, and 5% of other revenues, going to charity. The Inspirasia Foundation was set up by Iniala’s Founder Mark Weingard 10 years ago and is committed to funding exceptional health, disability and education projects across Thailand, Indonesia and India.

Iniala Beach House is situated on Natai Beach just 20 minutes north of Phuket Airport, Thailand, with unobstructed views of the beach and the Andaman Sea. 

For more information please visit www.iniala.com and to see the work of the foundation please visit www.inspirasia.org

Attaining your Fitness goal before 2015 year end

By Jessica Gan

Christmas and new year countdown is just round the corner... what have I done or not done this year for my fitness goals?

Here's an easy plan that you can do from the comfort of your home. Add reps and intensity to suit your level. Working out can be as simple or complicated as you want it to. The main thing is to get started and keep going. Make a calendar and check-list and stick to the plan!

CIS student reaches finals in prestigious Doodle 4 Google competition

Grade 9 Canadian International School (CIS) student, Elodie Yeo, recently wowed judges to reach the inals in her age category of the prestigious Doodle 4 Google competition. 

The competition, organised by search engine giant Google, was held to commemorate Singapore's 50 years of independence. From across the sland, school children aged 4 to 18 years were invited to create a doodle that encompassed the Google logo as well as their vision of what Singapore will look like in the next 50 years. 

Elodie's doodle titled Destiny, was selected by a panel of judges as one of the five best designs in the 13 - 15 years age group. Her design encompasses many of Singapore's most famous landmarks such as the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands, along with other notable sights and developments she believes will exist in the future. These include a cutting-edge bullet train, tall ultramodern buildings and beautiful eco friendly surroundings. The entire design is in black and white, leaving the vivid colours of Singapore's future up to the viewer's imagination. 

" I really enjoyed participating in this competition", said Elodie. "The unique theme and art medium were some of the main reasons that inspired me to enter. I have been drawing since I was young and love any opportunity to sit down and sketch, especially manga and landscapes. My favourite class at CIS is Art where thanks to all the great teachers, I am continually introduced to new and exciting art forms and genres." 

To read more about CIS and their students' achievements visit www.cis.edu.sg

Ask the Dentist : How do I ensure my children still have a great time while minimizing the damage done to their teeth?

Q: I am a mother with two girls, aged four and six. They are looking forward to the annual Halloween event. I am apprehensive as my elder daughter got a tooth filling recently despite all my efforts with looking after their teeth. I do not want to be a party pooper, so how do I ensure my children still have a great time while minimizing the damage done to their teeth?

A: I would like to applaud your efforts in taking care of your children’s dental health and well being. As parents, we play an important role in helping our children develop good oral habits so that they can have strong and healthy teeth.

Here are some tips to keep your children cavity-free during Halloween (and all year round).

Choose dark chocolate and powdery candies

Hard candies such as lollipops are sucked on for a long time before dissolving completely. This prolonged exposure of teeth to sugar increases the risk of tooth decay.

Candies that are sticky and gooey, such as caramel and gummy bears, cling to the teeth. More time is required for it to be washed away by one’s saliva.

Powdery candies or chocolates (without fillings such as nuts or raisins) are better choices as they dissolve quickly and do not stick to the teeth. Where possible, opt for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has lower sugar content and is high in anti-oxidants. High amount amounts of anti-oxidants in saliva have been shown to fight gum disease.

Consume candies during or shortly after meals

Saliva, the major caries preventive agent, is produced when one chews food. Therefore, the best timing for your child to enjoy treats would be during or shortly after meals. This is when there is a large amount of saliva that neutralises the acidity level of the mouth and slows down mineral loss from the teeth.

Drink water instead of soft/sweet drinks

Tooth decay is caused by acid-producing bacteria in one’s mouth that feast on carbohydrates (sugar and starch). Therefore, instead of consuming soft/sweet drinks, it would be the best to stay hydrated with plain water.

Provide alternatives

Apart from limiting the intake of candies, you can provide healthy snacks as an alternative, such as cheese, vegetables and fruits. If the child still needs a sweet fix, give sugar-free candies.

Creative alternatives to food include Halloween-themed toys, stationary, stickers and little books.

Visit a dentist/Paedodontist regularly

One of the ways to prevent or minimise cavities is to ensure that your children see the dentist/paedodontist regularly for dental check-ups. Besides a good professional cleaning to remove any plaque build-up, this will ensure that potential dental issues can be identified and treated ahead of time.

Have fun Trick-or-Treating with your spectacular (not “spooktacular”) smiles!



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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. For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com.

Phone: +65 6733 7883

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Do you have questions related to your teeth, mouth or oral health? 

Drop us a note with the subject titled “Ask The Dentist” at 

info@specialistdentalgroup.com to have them answered by the team at Specialist Dental Group®. 

If your question is featured, we will send you a pair of movie tickets! 

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

Hanging out at the "Barre!

By Jessica Gan

Key benefits of Barre Pilates

A. Gives you a firm butt.

B. Targets the calf muscles, the soleus and gastrocenimius, which are often neglected when working out on gym machines.

How? Start with Plie position. Inhale. Exhale as you tip toe up and squeeze your butt.

For variation? You may also like to use some dumbbells to add resistance.

See you at the Barre!

More tips email: jessica.gan@alumni.utoronto.ca

Sipadan Island, MalaysiaI

By Terry Booth / Photo by Charlene Kwan

Jacques Cousteau famously quoted "I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now no more. Now we have found an untouched piece of art."

Located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, East Malaysia, Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, an isolated pinnacle rising 600 metres from the seabed.

Times have changed since Jacques donned his primitive self-contained underwater breathing apparatus and for years, divers both novice and experienced have been drawn to this sub-aqua mecca in the hordes.

The subsequent over-diving led to damaged reefs and a marine life that could not cope with the stress caused by too many divers on Sipadan Island. Since 2005 all resorts had to relocate away from Sipadan Island and since April 2006 a strictly enforced permit system was introduced for all divers wanting to dive at Sipadan, limiting the number of divers to just 120 a day from the 12 neighbouring resorts.

The very real threat from the Abu Sayyaf guerrillas (a famous mass kidnapping from Sipadan in 2000) and a slew of regular incidents up and down the Borneo coastline and neighbouring islands has led to bans on night travel and night dives and mandates a permanent military presence on Sipadan and night time guards at the resorts.

But despite this top side turmoil and remote location, divers are not dissuaded by the limited access (typically only one permit per diver every four days of stay) or armed guards. Consistently voted two of the world’s best dives sites, Barracuda Point and The Drop Off, along with the promise of tornados of barracudas and jacks and the swarms of schooling sharks and turtles, lure a stream of eager disciples.

Generally slow drift dives along sheer walls dripping in hard and soft corals, minimal effort is expended whilst gazing at the rich flora and fauna, a magnificent leopard shark serenely gliding by with gentle swishes of its’ elongated tail steals the show. And even for the most jaded diver, witnessing up close the mass congregation of giant bumphead parrot fish is awe inspiring. 

However too often, divers are so focused on going to Sipadan Island that they don’t realize how much the other islands have to offer too. These islands are often treated as “filler songs in an album with one hit single”.

Yes, Sipadan Island is special in that it is an oceanic island while the other islands sit on the continental shelf. So the kind of marine life you see at Sipadan Island will be different from the others. Memorable dives are also had at these islands with an abundance of macro critters, frog and crocodile fish at both Mabul and Kapalai Islands.

With its’ rich history and diverse and impressive marine life it should be obligatory for any serious diver to make the pilgrimage to these holy waters at least once in their lifetime.

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Note: This will be Terry's last article as he is leaving Singapore.

Can we really make a difference?

By Lori Gunn, Grade 12 student at CIS

This was at the forefront of my thoughts as I listened to Janne Ritskes, the founder of the Tabitha Foundation, speak to a group of Grade 11 CIS students earlier this year. Tabitha helps Cambodians help themselves out of poverty. We were 12 girls and four boys about to embark on a 9-day service trip to Cambodia and discover just how strong and determined we really were. 

On our first day in Phnom Penh, we visited a primary school where we taught students new skills and helped them with their English lessons. Many of these young children would be out working instead of going to school if it weren't for their families being provided with food if they sent their children  to school.

The following morning, we attended a soccer training with Happy Football Cambodia Australia, a soccer club that provides an opportunity for disadvantaged and homeless youth to play amateur athletics. We had a friendly football match with these athletes and were soundly trounced! 

Next was an unforgettable tour of S21 and the Killing Fields. Learning about the Cambodian genocide first hand gave us a deep understanding that we could never gain in a classroom. It also gave greater meaning to our house building mission. I was very nervous about this. Could I make a meaningful contribution? These families had worked hard, investing a dollar at a time towards the cost of the building materials that would become their homes.

With sweat pouring down our faces, we hammered floor boards and siding until our hands were blistered through the gloves we were wearing. We had never worked so hard before!  

By the end, we had built houses for six very happy families. Their smiling faces are an image we will carry with us always. 

Here’s how to target your muffin top!

By Jessica Gan

A. Stand with your feet hip distance apart.

B. Hold just one weight plate or a dumbbell. Holding with both hands is counter productive!

C. Make sure your back is straight and knees are not hyperextended.

D.  Lower your shoulder down towards the floor. Crunch your obliques. Exhale when you crunch and envision muffin top melting away...


Set fitness goals for the last quarter of 2015. 

Achieve and enjoy!

ASK THE DENTIST: Q&A. How much downtime do I need to cater for dental implant surgery?

Q: I have 1 missing tooth and I am planning to get a dental implant. As an air cabin crew, I would like to know if I can get everything done during my layover in Singapore. Is it safe for me to fly immediately after the dental implant surgery?  

A:  Dental implants are a permanent solution for one or multiple missing teeth. They look, feel and function just like your natural teeth. 

If your dental and bone condition are deemed suitable after consultation and examination by the dentist, then the dental implant can be placed even on the same day as your initial consultation. 

A titanium screw – the dental implant, is placed into your jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The implant serves as an anchor for your new tooth. 

To ensure that you leave the clinic with a complete smile, a temporary replacement tooth will usually be fabricated and fitted on the same day as implant placement. 

The surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia. It is generally recommended for you to come back to the clinic for a quick review the next day. 

Thereafter, a healing period is required for the bond to be formed between the implant and your bone (osseointegration). During this period of two to six months, it is safe to fly and you should be able to speak and eat as per usual. Just take note to avoid chewing on hard nuts and the like on the temporary tooth. 

After that, you will need to visit the dentist to have an impression of your teeth taken for your new permanent crown. 7 to 10 days later, once the laboratory has fabricated the tooth, another last visit is required to have your permanent crown fitted. 

Your new teeth will look, feel and function just like your natural teeth. You should care for them as you would care for your natural teeth. This includes brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, flossing at least once day, and visiting your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and professional cleaning.

Dr Debbie Hong is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her training in the specialty area of oral & maxillofacial surgery from the University of Singapore. Dr Hong was the Recipient for the Silver Jubilee Award by NUS Dental Society for her outstanding performance. Dr Hong has a special interest in dental implants, jaw surgery and complex extractions. For more information, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com. 

Phone: +65 6733 7883.

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Do you have questions related to your teeth, mouth or oral health? 

Drop us a note with the subject titled “Ask The Dentist” at 

info@specialistdentalgroup.com to have them answered by the team at Specialist Dental Group®. 

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

Phuket’s Newest Enchanting Escape

By  Heavens Portfolio

Positioned in the woodlands and nestled well 

away from the crowds on Phuket’s west coast, Keemala is close enough to the liveliness of Patong, yet far enough to enjoy thetranquil surroundings of the rainforest.

The soon to open resort, harnesses and celebrates the culture of four fictitious Phuket tribes, the ‘

Pa-Ta-Pea’ (Earth), the ‘Khon-Jorn’ Wanderers), the ‘We-Ha’ (Sky), and the ‘Rung-Nok’ (Nest) people. Their way of life is infused into the overall philosophy; the spa, holistic treatments, activities, gastronomy and villa designs all derive from tribal attributes - resulting in a magical experience for guests.

Shaded by an enchanted rainforest canopy and connected together by a network of jungle walkways, each villa has a private pool.

The enchanted garden at Keemala is not only a working garden but also a space for relaxation and getting in touch with nature for guests and visitors. Naturally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs are harvested and used within Keemala’s dining outlets and spa.

Throughout the year, the property will welcome special visits by world-renowned practitioners who specialise in holistic therapies and traditional healing including sound healing, shiatsu by a world-class master, somato-experiencing and trauma elease, traditional Chinese medicine, Mayan 

traditional massage, holistic cupuncture, aromatherapy, vibration attunement, Nia martial arts dance, Watsu and Maori traditional healing to name a few.  

Guests can also meet Keemala’s three resident water buffalos and learn about their daily routine and significance in Thai culture. Born in Phattalung Province in Southern Thailand, the trio was rescued from the slaughterhouse and now makes their permanent home at Keemala’s Enchanted Garden.

www.keemala.com

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For special offers and to learn more about the Grand Opening package, please contact Heavens Portfolio at :

singaporeoffice@heavensportfolio.com or call +65 6238 1718. 

Sharing Our Stories in a Digital Age

By Michael Black, Grade 4 Classroom Teacher

“Technology is the campfire around which we tell our stories.” Laurie Anderson

Our desire to tell stories is a practice that drives most of us throughout our lives. Straight to the point, we all just want someone to listen. I’d argue this theory holds true not only in our personal journey but also in our educational journey. Now in my second year of working within a 1:1 iPad classroom, there is no doubt in my mind that allowing technology to become an active tool within the classroom provides students with a greater opportunity to create, communicate and reflect on their own stories.

My favourite agent for cultivating these important opportunities is the Explain Everything app. In brief, it is an easy-to-use screen casting and interactive whiteboard tool that allows students to annotate, animate, narrate, import and export almost anything to and from almost anywhere. Its advantage over classical educational materials such as pencil and paper, is that students can present information using multiple forms of expression (images, text, video and audio) all at once. Work can then be shared through a multitude of platforms and reach a wider audience. It is a real thrill when relatives in a foreign country are able to enjoy and follow a student’s learning.

Storytelling has been one of the most powerful forms of education throughout the history of the world. Whether you look back to the Middle Ages when wandering bards shared their stories orally from place to place or to the thirst for knowledge following the rise of printing in the 1400’s, storytelling has been front and centre. As storytelling platforms continue to evolve so will the magnitude to which we can share our stories. I see great value in students having an increased sense of purpose when expressing their ideas and when I consider the potential the digital medium has for allowing students to create more personal and captivating work, I can’t help but get excited where their stories will take us.

To read more great articles about how CIS uses technology to support student learning visit www.cismosaic.com

ASK THE DENTIST: Q&A: Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Q: Every time I go to buy toothpaste in groceries or stores, I really find it difficult to choose which toothpaste to buy. They come in different tastes, textures, supposed efficacies… I even saw black toothpastes with charcoal. How do you know which one would work amongst all the many choices?

A:  Toothpastes help to remove dental plaque, which is the major cause of dental caries and periodontal (gum) diseases. Modern technologies have made it possible for manufacturers to include ingredients that provide therapeutic and cosmetic 

benefits in toothpastes. 

Fluoride toothpaste
The most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride helps to remove plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums every day. It works first by strengthening your tooth enamel, and secondly by remineralising areas that have started to decay. The water in Singapore is also fluoridated, but studies have shown that using fluoride toothpaste helps increase the concentration of fluoride in the teeth, even in areas with water supplies containing high levels of fluoride. 

Tartar control toothpaste
Tartar is hardened plaque. This hard-to-remove deposit can build up on your teeth and under your gums, leading to gum disease. There is a variety of ingredients added into toothpastes to help prevent the accumulation of tartar on the teeth like chemical compounds, including pyrophosphates and zinc citrate. Additionally, some tartar control toothpastes contain an antibiotic called triclosan, which kills bacteria in the mouth. Look out for toothpastes containing several anti-plaque agents in one formulation, which will be more effective at tartar control than varieties with only one.

Whitening
All toothpastes rely on mild abrasives to remove surface stains. Whitening toothpastes do not contain bleaches, they typically contain special abrasives that polish the teeth and chemicals that help to breakdown or dissolve stains. Do note that these pastes will not help lighten a stain that goes deeper than the tooth’s surface. There are whitening toothpastes in the market that containw charcoal particles, touted as having benefits from removal of stubborn stains to being anti-bacterial. In theory, charcoal will bind stains, tartar and bacteria, which will make your teeth whiter. However, charcoal may also bind to medications that the body needs to absorb and even bacteria that you need for digestion. There is no proof that they actually work and that they are completely safe and effective. 

Sensitivity Control
Sensitivity results when the tooth’s dentine (inner layer of the tooth) becomes exposed. This can be caused by aggressive brushing, acidic food and drinks, tooth decay, cracked fillings, fractured teeth and gum disease. For mild cases, a desensitising toothpaste can help. The toothpastes typically contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride and work by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain, so you will experience no pain; other types work by blocking the exposed tubules and stabilising the nerve in the tooth as they seal the dentine surface. To see benefits, long-term continuous usage is required. 

There really is no best toothpaste and you should choose one that suits your family’s needs. Start with a toothpaste that contains fluoride and the rest is a matter of personal choice and needs. 

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. 

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Do you have questions related to your teeth, mouth or oral health? 
Drop us a note with the subject titled “Ask The Dentist” at 
info@specialistdentalgroup.com to have them answered by the team at Specialist Dental Group®. If your question is featured, we will send you a pair of movie tickets! 

Specialist Dental Group® is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. 

For details, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883.

Summer Ready

It's almost Summer and its time to start planning now to see the results! Whether you plan to be on the beaches of Vancouver or Toronto, or Sentosa Singapore, you will want to look and feel your best!

So…….

A. Set a goal on how many sessions can you train either alone or with your trainer.

B. Determine your goals.

To lose weight, try HIIT as the fastest way to lose 1 to 2 kg per week.

For lean muscles on top of weight loss, add Pilates to your HIIT training.

As a trainer, I often get asked about my customized PHIIT. It does look random but it is not! Each move is well planned to suit your body type and goals. Each sequence and repertoire are carefully designed for safety and effective sculpting.

C. Know your body type.

Ectomorph (long lean) . Train with compound moves. Use weights.
Endomorph (apple like shaped). Train with intensity. Reduce Carbs.
Mesomorph (athletic). Do power moves.

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Here ‘s your PHIIT nugget here for toned glutes...

• Do 45 jumps on the spot. Think knee to waist. ONE minute.
• Stand pile position. Hands on your waist. Tip toe. Then lower into a squat with knees pointing outward like a ballerina. Then up stand tall. Stay on toes. ONE minute.

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The Holy Cephalopod

Text and Photo by Charlene Kwan

With a dive count in excess of 400 and visits to the legion of SE Asia’s macro diving hotspots, diving’s most sought after critters have been found, admired and photographed for posterity. With one notable exception. Back in October, I proved the old adage ‘if you snooze you lose’ by sitting out one of 13 dives in the tropical island of Malapascua. In this dive not one, but two, blue ringed octopi were discovered in the islands’ fringing reefs. Despite the primary purpose of this trip being to see the majestic thresher shark, this was a sickening body blow! So near and yet so far!

Plans for the next trip therefore were researched with a single aim: to find one of diving’s holy grails, the blue ringed octopus.

Constructing an algorithm of dive locations to establish the most likely seasonal sightings, we opted for Dauin, a small town South East of the island of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. I booked in with my partners’ long-time friends, Tim & Zoe and owners of Liquid Dumaguete - a first rate flash-packers’ resort nestled amongst verdant plantations and overlooking the black sands and azure waters of Dauin.

Trying not to be too demanding, we did however make it clear that for we were on a mission! By the time we arrived, all of the dive guides, staff and anyone else that would listen knew our single-minded aim.

And so armed with local knowledge, eagle-eyed dive guide supremo Rocky, the alignment of tides, currents, stars and the planets we plunged into the temperate waters of Dumaguete. Our quest had begun.

Despite our much publicised goal, this was strangely forgotten as we explored the local sub-aqua fauna and flora. Perennial favourites frogfish, seahorses, ornate ghost pipe fishes, an abundance of funky and obscure crabs filled the vista and occupied us wholly. And then the telling ‘clank clank clank’ as Rocky signalled for our attention by rapping his pointer repeatedly on his air cylinder.

We approached cautiously, our eyes darting to where Rocky was positioned motionless on the sand. And there it was. Perched atop a single outcrop of sinewy soft coral, plugged in isolation in the black sands was the most majestic of cephalopods.

Disturbed by our intrusion the octopus took flight, nimbly moving across the rubbly seabed in search of refuge. Recognisable by characteristic blue and black rings and yellowish skin when the octopus is agitated, it constantly flashed its warning as the brown patches on its body and tentacles darkened dramatically and, mesmorisingly, it’s iridescent blue rings or clumps of rings appeared and pulsated. Despite their small size and relatively docile nature, they are known as one of the most venomous marine animals and we therefore kept a close but respectful distance as we followed this tentacled trouper in awe until fully sated by this experience.

The dive came to an end and elated we clambered aboard our Bangka, ready to discuss where to find our next Holy Grail.