Summer pregnancy & Teeth

Q: Will my teeth become weaker during and after I am pregnant due to the lack of calcium?

A: Congratulations on your pregnancy! Your teeth will not become weaker during your pregnancy if there is inadequate calcium intake as a mother’s bones – not her teeth – provide calcium for the baby. The calcium loss is then quickly made up after breastfeeding is stopped.

Nonetheless, pregnancy can cause other dental problems for some women.

Due to an increase in hormones which can affect your body's response to plaque, some women will find that their gums are swollen and bleed more easily during pregnancy. If there are already pre-existing conditions of gum disease, then it may even worsen and result in tooth loss.

Therefore, tell your dentist about your pregnancy and any gum problems that you may have. Continue to keep good oral hygiene habits such as brushing your teeth at least two times a day, for two minutes each time and flossing once a day.

Other causes of dental health problems during pregnancy include frequent food consumption (due to food cravings) and vomiting. As food consumed may be acidic and vomiting can coat your teeth with stomach acids, rinse your mouth with water immediately and wait for 30 to 45 minutes before brushing your teeth to prevent the erosion of tooth enamel.

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Dr Daylene Leong is Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group®, Singapore. She received her training in the specialty area of Periodontology from the University of Michigan, USA. Dr Leong is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. She has a special interest in periodontal regeneration, gingival aesthetic and plastic surgery and dental implants. 

www.specialistdentalgroup.com 

Tel: (65) 6734 9393

Innovative Designers Camp: Preparing Students for the Future

Recently more than 70 CIS students in grades 4 to 10 participated in an engaging, two-day Innovative Designers camp. This hands-on camp gave students an excellent opportunity to problem solve, be creative and think critically - key 21st century skills delivered through our STEAM (science, technology, entrepreneurship, arts and mathematics) programme, an integral part of every student’s education at CIS.

The positive reaction from students participating in the camp was huge. Many were especially excited when they saw their efforts and ideas lead to an actual product that had genuine value for real people. “It was amazing to see that it’s possible to make ‘great things’ on your own, even in a short time,” said grade 7 students Greg and Sasha who created a computer ball game inspired by tag.

Other students said they enjoyed having to think creatively, learn new skills and make connections. One of the best things grade 8 student Vladislav Den said he learnt during the camp was that Scratch can be used as a calculator to solve complex equations. “I realised that this could potentially help me with my math class,” he said.

At CIS we always try to engage students in STEAM activities like Innovative Designers Camp, where they have the opportunity to solve real-life, authentic problems. This not only keeps them motivated to learn more, but also understand that the skills they learn can be used throughout their life regardless of where their passions or interests lie.

To learn more about CIS’ STEAM programme sign up for their next open house at ww.cis.edu.sg/openhouse or call +65 6734 8088.

Fit Bit: Ready for your Bikini Beach Body?

By Jessica Gan

Health over aesthetics of course. That said, we all do not mind having a new fit and toned body by summer!

If you hold busy schedules but have light equipment at home, you may find this  “cheat sheet” handy to insert into your calendar, for planning purposes. Using the undulating perioadization method, you may alternate your work out intensity and weights, as opposed to a linear method.

Remember to be disciplined about recovery days too, as over training may backfire. Get adequate rest and ensure water intake is sufficient. Wear your sunblock and have fun with your new beach body!


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

Smoked Salmon and Feta Rolls

Makes 15

Ingredients:

• 200g Feta
• 200g Ricotta
• ½ Small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• ¼ cup pine nuts, dry roasted then 
• roughly chopped
• 50g Arugula/rocket
• 15 x 16cm rice paper rounds
• 100g smoked salmon
• Lemon wedges to garnish

Here’s what to do:

1.  Make a paste with feta, ricotta, pine nuts, onion, lemon zest, lemon juice and dill
2. Soak one sheet of rice paper round in bowl of lukewarm water until soft.  
3. Place 1-2 tablespoons of feta mixture on rice paper, top with Arugula/Rocket and sliced salmon, roll and fold in side to enclose the filing.  
4. Repeat with the remaining rice paper, salmon and feta mixture.  
5. Serve with lemon wedges.