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!