Ask the Dentist: Q. When is the best time to remove my wisdom teeth?

A: Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth (third molars) to erupt into the mouth, and this usually takes place between the ages of 17 and 25 (the ages of wisdom, hence the term wisdom teeth).

It is generally recommended for teenagers or those in their early adulthood to remove their wisdom teeth as they are in the age group where they can recover faster. The bone is more elastic when young, and the tooth has shorter roots than in an older adult. With the right treatment and proper management, the procedure is smooth and seldom causes significant swelling and discomfort afterward.

Another reason would be that younger individuals also usually do not have too many commitments. Thus arranging their schedules will be easier than a working adult with a family. 

Researchers have also found that older patients aged 30 years and above may be at greater risk for gum disease in the tissues surrounding the wisdom teeth and adjacent teeth, eventually affecting one's general health if left untreated.

For those worried about the loss of wisdom teeth affecting their eating, there is no issue – losing your wisdom teeth will not affect your chewing ability.

If you are experiencing any discomfort from your wisdom teeth, do not only self-medicate. Visit a dental specialist or dentist for a thorough dental examination, and they will advise if there is a need to remove your wisdom teeth. 

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. http://www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Canadian International School’s (CIS) new Kindergarten wing

Want a Kindergarten that has it all? A strong academic foundation, a warm environment that fosters curiosity with plenty of outdoor play every day.

Canadian International School's (CIS) new Kindergarten wing will be opening in January 2023. Designed to bring the outdoors in and support the school’s inquiry and play-based approach it will house the school's nursery to grade 1 student community and will have a spectacular new Outdoor Discovery Centre. The centre will be an enormous 2,600 square metre and connect with spacious and natural light-filled classrooms.

MUCH MORE THAN A PLAYGROUND

When children are outside they are quickly inspired to get active and run, jump and climb. These activities, in turn, spark brain development, sharpen social and gross motor skills and generate strong academic performance.

CIS students will get to play every day in the ODC which has some extra special features: a sound and art gardens to experiment in, a mud kitchen and Eco pond. Plus plenty of grassy hills, nature tunnels, a play fort and a yoga lawn.

Through playing with mud, water, sand and loose objects such as sticks, stones, mesh and rope, students will engage in imaginative and creative thinking while solving problems. They will learn to calculate, measure, invent, estimate, specify, analyse, hypothesise and test theories, thereby developing their thinking, communication and research skills.

LEARNING PODS

Lakeside's unique learning pod design has been incorporated into the new wing. Grade level classrooms that house students in the English and Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes will feed into dedicated light-filled learning pods, providing exhibition spaces and fostering a strong sense of grade level community.

SPEIALIST SPACES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT

The CIS team have been creative with some of their new early years learning spaces. The new junior library will house a large selection of age-appropriate books, a gross motor room and a working instructional bakery.

NEW FACILITIES FOR THE WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Students school-wide will enjoy the wing’s new full-sized gymnasium that will serve as an additional practice and tournament facility for older students, an indoor 25m swimming pool, dance studio and 200-seat black-box theatre.

Learn more at the CIS April open house, RSVP at www.cis.edu.sg/admissions/open-house