Missing Tooth

Q: I have a missing molar, should I replace it?

A: Some patients I’ve seen had put off replacing their molars (the ones at the back of the mouth) as they are not highly visible. However, other than aesthetics, there are other important reasons for replacing a missing tooth.

Drifting of teeth

Once a tooth is missing, your adjacent teeth will not have adequate support and start to move/drift towards the gap. This results in the rest of your teeth being out of position, making them harder to clean and more prone to gum disease and tooth decay.

Difficulty chewing

Functionally, the loss of a back tooth can affect the bite, affecting your ability to eat well. It will be more difficult to chew effectively, and you may find yourself opting to eat “softer” foods. In some cases, the extra force on the front teeth may result in chipped or cracked teeth.

Bone resorption

Missing teeth also results in bone resorption, especially when multiple missing teeth are left un-replaced. That causes the jaw to shrink and one to look older. The absence of teeth means that our jaw bone does not receive the necessary stimulation to maintain the bone volume.

A denture is an affordable way to replace a missing tooth, while restoring function and appearance. Nonetheless, a dental implant is the only option to help stop bone loss. Consult your Prosthodontist/dentist for missing teeth replacement treatment options. 

  

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 GKY Dental Institute, both of which are affiliated with the University of London. Dr Soo has a special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry.

(65) 6734 9393 | www.specialistdentalgroup.com

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

Passionfruit Syrup Cake

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup passionfruit pulp
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup caster sugar
• 150g butter, softened
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup thick Greek natural yoghurt
• 2 cups self-raising flour, sifted

Here’s what to do:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 160˚C and lightly grease cake tin.
   
2. To make the syrup, place passionfruit pulp, water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes. Set aside.
   
3. To make the cake, place the butter, sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 10-15 minutes until pale and creamy.
   
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   
5. Add yoghurt and beat until well combined.
   
6. Fold through the flour and spoon into cake tin. Bake for 35 minutes.
   
7. Allow to cool in tin for 5 minutes. Turn out onto serving plate. Spike all over with thin skewer. Drizzle cake with syrup and serve while still warm.

 

Receive 10% off at Expat Kitchen

Basic, Intermediate and Baking Helper Cooking Courses & Focus Classes. Quote CAS10 when booking.

CIS Teacher Publishes Exclusive Chinese Storybook For Young Children

CIS recently celebrated the publication of a unique Children’s storybook in Chinese by Wendy Tian, a grade 1 Chinese teacher in their Chinese/English bilingual programme. Titled 三只小猪不为人知的新生活” or “Three Little Pigs: the untold story” , the book tells the story of what happened to the three little pigs after the big bad wolf fell into a huge pot of boiling water….. Rich in IB concepts, the book is perfect for grade 1 IB PYP students to use as reflections and topics of discussion.

When asked what inspired her to write the book, Wendy replied “ There aren’t many Chinese books written to support the IB PYP units of inquiry (UOI). Most books are written in English, or are foreign titles translated from other languages. These books are not completely suitable for grade 1 students learning Chinese.”

The entire process from conceptualisation to printing took Wendy over a year. She also sought the advice of other teachers to improve the overall concept and use of English words at the end of the book. Olivia Mortlock, a grade 7 CIS student who had published a children’s storybook with her family, did the illustrations.

Although Wendy has no concrete plans to put her book up for sale, many schools and libraries have already placed a book order with her. She has also donated copies to charity organisations and churches. Having added a feather to her cap with the publication of her book, does she intend to write a second or even a third book?

“I find the phrase “不为人知”, which means “untold”, rather interesting so I’m thinking of doing an ‘untold’ series of classical stories like Little Red Riding Hood,” Wendy explained, “and using such stories as teaching material for IB concepts and UOIs in class.”

We’re looking forward to hearing more about Wendy’s future plans. In the meantime, to order a copy of “Three Little Pigs: the untold story” contact CIS’ TK campus on +65 6345 1573. Happy reading! 

How to prevent "text neck"?

By Jessica Gam  

 

Do you feel shoulder strain and general stiffness around the neck that could possibly be linked to "text neck".

Let's be mindful and make small changes that will have big impact in our posture.

If you are standing, these are some steps: 

1. Hold the phone in front of you at eye level.
   
2. Rest one elbow (even if it is intermittently) on the other hand as you type.

I am doing this as I type out this fitbit... and it works!

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