Ask the Dentist: Is your child at risk of tooth decay?

 

Tooth decay, or early childhood caries (ECC), is the most common chronic disease among children—and it’s largely preventable. Yet, the statistics are alarming. According to the National Dental Center of Singapore, about one in two children in Singapore suffers from tooth decay before entering kindergarten.

Early signs of decay are often overlooked, as many parents assume that baby teeth do not require significant care because they will eventually fall out. However, healthy baby teeth play a critical role in nutrition, speech development, and guiding the alignment of permanent teeth. When tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to pain, infections, disrupted sleep, and even developmental delays.

What causes tooth decay in children? 

It results from a combination of factors:

• Bacteria that produce acid, damaging teeth

• Frequent consumption of sugary foods, milk, or juice

• Allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing sweet liquids

• Poor oral hygiene habits 

Early prevention is crucial. Experts recommend starting oral hygiene even before the first tooth erupts. Introducing a toothbrush when the first tooth appears can help establish healthy habits. Ideally, children should visit the dentist between six to twelve months of age to address risks before problems arise. 

How to prevent tooth decay in children? 

Start with good oral hygiene and healthy habits:

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.

• Ensure effective brushing from an early age.

• Schedule regular dental visits when your child turns one year old. 

By prioritising oral health early, you can protect your children from unnecessary pain and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Don't wait for cavities to form—start preventive care today!

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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. He also enjoys seeing children. 

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

How Canadian International School’s bilingual approach shapes future-ready students

 

In a world that increasingly values cultural understanding and communication, bilingual education has become more than a skill—it’s a necessity. That’s why the Canadian International School (CIS) made it a priority to introduce its bilingual programmes early on. In fact, CIS was the first international school in Singapore to offer a Chinese-English Bilingual programme that not only teaches languages but empowers students to thrive in a globalised world.

CIS’s Chinese-English and French-English bilingual programmes are built on a unique 50-50 immersive approach, giving students equal exposure to both languages without relying on translation. Starting as early as pre-kindergarten, students engage with a curriculum that integrates language learning into their daily lives, fostering fluency and deep cultural connections.

The results speak for themselves. At the prestigious 3rd Global Chinese Writing Competition, 50 CIS students earned awards across global and regional categories, including championship titles, with the school being honoured as an “Outstanding School for Chinese Writing Teaching”. Additionally, CIS’s secondary French students achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate in the DELF tests, cementing the school’s reputation for academic excellence.

CIS is also at the forefront of thought leadership in bilingual education. This year, the school hosted the 2024 International Bilingual and Multilingual Conference, welcoming professors from Cambridge, Peking University, and over 100 educators from across Asia. Through workshops and discussions, these educators will share best practices, curriculum innovations, and strategies to enhance bilingual teaching worldwide.

CIS offers not just a programme but a proven pathway to success. Learn more about it at their Bilingual Open House on 17 January 2025 January 2025, on 17 January 2025, where you can see how CIS’s expertise shapes future-ready students. 

What are the treatment options for a child with a missing tooth?

 

If your child lost a tooth from a fall or injury, it's important to act quickly. Timely dental care is essential for the long-term health of an injured tooth. In fact, getting treatment within the first few hours can often determine whether the tooth can be saved or not. 

Tooth loss due to trauma is common in active children. Fortunately, there are treatment options to replace missing teeth. 

• For baby teeth: No immediate treatment is usually required if a baby tooth is lost. The adult tooth will usually develop on its own, but regular dental check-ups can ensure your child's teeth are developing properly. 
• For permanent teeth: If a permanent tooth is lost, the treatment options will depend on your child's age and how developed their jaw is. 
• A space maintainer helps to keep the gap open for the adult tooth to grow in later or in preparation for future treatments, such as braces. 
• A dental bridge involves placing a false tooth in the gap until your child is old enough for a more permanent solution, like a dental implant. 
• A removable partial denture is a non-invasive option. It's a temporary false tooth that your child can take out, offering a practical solution for both eating and appearance. 

As your child’s jaw fully matures, a dental implant might become an option. Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, but are typically recommended after teenage years, when jaw development is complete. 

The best treatment option will depend on your child's age, jaw development, and overall oral health. Consulting with your dentist is crucial to determine the most appropriate solution for your child's needs.

Dr Tan Kian Meng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He is also a Clinical Lecturer at the National University of Singapore and Diplomate with the American Board of Prosthodontics. He was formerly a Consultant at Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Fellow of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Oncologic Dentistry Fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr Tan has special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry. 

You’re invited to a Magical Garden Party!

 

Looking for the perfect family day out that is fun and educational? Bring your little ones to the Magical Garden Party at Canadian International School (CIS), happening on Saturday, 23 November 2024, from 9:30am to 11:30am. 

Enjoy a range of fun-filled activities that are educationally designed for learners aged 2 to 8, led by CIS teachers. These activities incorporate CIS’s unique teaching approach to help their youngest learners develop essential skills such as critical thinking, language development, and problem-solving skills. 

Betty butterfly’s arts studio. 

Spread your creative wings and craft your very own butterfly or caterpillar crowns. 

Charlie caterpillar’s obstacle course. 

Learn about the PE programme as you venture into the caterpillar’s cocoon and work your way through exciting obstacle courses.

Iggy inchworms ice sculpture. 

Dive into the wonders of science by painting on ice and watch the artwork transform as the ice melts. 

Marty moth’s multilingual story corner. 

Listen to enchanting storytellers bring classic children’s stories to life in English, French and Chinese.

Sally spider’s web city. 

Explore art and maths concepts as you help Sally spider spin a web that is symmetrical and beautiful. 

Aunty ant’s mud & sand kitchen 

Explore maths and science concepts such as counting, measurement, shape and volume as you experiment and play in the mud and sand. 

Outdoor learning is at the heart of CIS’s kindergarten curriculum, and the 2,600-square-metre Outdoor Discovery Centre offers an inspiring environment for children to explore, experiment, and learn through play. 

The Magical Garden Party celebrates 9 years of outdoor learning at CIS’s Outdoor Discovery Centre (ODC), a first-of-its-kind in Singapore that was so groundbreaking it caught the attention of Sir Ken Robinson, British author and expert in creativity and education. CIS’s ODC was also honoured as one of Finland’s HundrED innovations, earning recognition in media worldwide 

The Magical Garden Party promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family, and a perfect way to discover how CIS students discover, learn and thrive in a nature-filled setting. 

Register now to secure your spot. We can’t wait to see you at our Magical Garden Party!

CIS alumna scores debut with Singapore’s Lionesses

 

CIS alumna Kyra Taylor at her national team debut against Macau

(Photo by Football Association of Singapore)

“It's an indescribable feeling to have achieved my dream of representing Singapore at the international level. Playing against Macau, and scoring a goal on my debut match in front of my family is a moment I'll cherish forever,” says Canadian International School (CIS) alumna Kyra Taylor.

A rising star in the football scene, Kyra’s journey has been remarkable. She captained Singapore's under-17 team at just 15 and later represented Singapore in several tournaments. Her crowning moment came in summer 2024, when she made her debut for the Singapore Lionesses.

Her growing talent was quickly recognised in Singapore where she was awarded the Unleash the Roar! (UTR) scholarship. Kyra was one of five young athletes selected to study and train at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA—a top global sports school. 

Off the pitch, Kyra's ambitions extend into the field of sports psychology. Earlier this year, she accepted an offer to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology at the University of St Andrews. “I’m excited to deepen my understanding in human behaviour and performance, and potentially work with athletes to enhance their mental game,” she says.

Kyra credits CIS for providing her a solid academic foundation from young. “CIS prepared me well with its rigorous IB programme. When I transitioned to the American High School Diploma at IMG, I was able to tackle new subjects like Forensic Science, American History, and Composition easily,” she shares.

She also mentioned how incredibly supportive the CIS community was of her move overseas. “From the principal to the university advisory team, even after graduating, they continued to guide and encourage me as I navigated the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application process.”

Book a tour to learn more about the CIS experience. 

Ask the Dentist: How to treat gummy smiles?

 

A “gummy smile” refers to individuals who reveal a larger portion of their gums when they smile, making their teeth seem shorter in relation to their gums. 

Even though individuals with gummy smiles may have healthy teeth and gums, they might feel self conscious about their smiles, which can affect their confidence. Fortunately, there are treatments available to address this concern. 

Gummy smiles may arise due to: 

• Excessive display of gums due to the abnormal teeth eruption 

• Hyperactive lip muscles which cause the upper lip to rise higher than usual when smiling, showing more gum tissue 

• Prominent upper jaw 

• Prominent position of upper front teeth 

• Severely worn teeth, resulting in the teeth looking shorter relative to the gums.

There are a few treatment options, such as: 

1. Crown lengthening (gum surgery) reshapes excess gum tissue and underlying bone. Crowns or veneers may be used afterwards to achieve the desired aesthetic look. The process takes about an hour, followed by the removal of stitches after a week or two. 

2. Orthodontics (alignment of the teeth), crowns, and/or jaw surgery may be required if the gummy smile is caused by the front teeth positioned too far forward. 

3. Protein injections can treat the upper lips’ hyperactive muscles. The 10-minute procedure consists of a few tiny injections. 

If you require dental crowns, there is a waiting period of about 1-3 months before the final crowns are placed. If braces and/or jaw surgery are required, the treatment timeline may be extended. However, rest assured that you will consistently have a complete smile throughout the entire treatment duration. 

With meticulous planning and execution, the results of gum surgery can last for years.

 Professional follow-up will be essential for successful long-term treatment outcomes, ensuring your smile is well cared for. 

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Dr Daylene Leong is a Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group® 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 | (65) 6733 7883

AI and Medical Technology

 There’s a lot going on

Here we begin a short series on the impact of AI on Medical Technology. First up – EHRs. Electronic Health Records.

Easily the most pervasive impact of technology on the medical community is how we document and share patient health information. Can you imagine 20 years ago when all they had was paper?

Electronic health records solve so many problems for us both as patients and as providers. In Southeast Asia, Singapore and Malaysia are leading the way in this field. Singapore, for example, has implemented a National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) system that allows for the sharing of patient information across public and private healthcare institutions. With the power of AI, the depth of functionality of these systems has the potential to shower us with new functionality, better interoperability and closer engagement between doctor and patient.

Pros of AI in EHRs

  There are many many pros, too many to list here. But by far and away the single largest boost that AI gives to medical technology is Enhanced Clinical Decision Support

• AI can analyse vast amounts of patient data within EHRs to provide real-time clinical decision support. This includes predictive analytics for identifying patients at risk of certain conditions, personalized treatment recommendations, and automated alerts for potential adverse drug interactions or deviations from care protocols.

Cons of AI in EHRs

The single biggest red flag in the AI / MedTech debate revolves around Privacy and Security Risk.

• The use of AI in EHRs raises some concerns about data privacy and security. AI systems require access to large amounts of patient data, which increases the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Ensuring the security of AI algorithms and the data they process is critical.

Conclusion

AI has the potential to significantly enhance EHR systems by improving clinical decision-making, personalizing care, and increasing efficiency. However, successful integration requires addressing challenges related to data quality, usability, security, and ethical considerations. Balancing these factors is crucial to realizing the full benefits of AI in EHRs while minimizing potential risks.

Ask the Dentist: What Happens When You Take a Break from Wearing Your Clear Aligners?

 

Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) offer a comfortable and modern approach to straightening teeth, without traditional braces. Typically worn 20 to 22 hours a day, these custom-made trays gradually align your teeth. They need to be changed according to the interval stipulated by your orthodontist, usually 7-14 days, as your teeth move closer to their desired positions. What happens if you take a break from wearing them?

Taking a break from wearing aligners, even briefly, can significantly affect your treatment progress. Clear aligners work by applying consistent pressure to gently move your teeth. When you stop wearing them, even for a day or two, your teeth may begin to shift back to their original positions. Also known as a dental relapse, this regression can undo some of the progress you've made. You might have to wear your current aligners longer before moving on to the next one.

Longer breaks can lead to even more noticeable setbacks. If you stop wearing your aligners for a week or more, your teeth could shift enough that your current aligners no longer fit. In such circumstances, you may need to revert to a previous set of aligners or even have a new series made, significantly extending your treatment time and possibly increasing the overall treatment fee.

It's also worth noting that taking breaks can cause discomfort when you start wearing your aligners again. Your teeth may have shifted slightly, making the aligners feel tighter and more uncomfortable than before.

In summary, consistency is critical to the success of your aligner treatment. To achieve the best results, it's crucial to wear your aligners as advised by your orthodontist, minimising breaks to ensure steady progress and a smoother journey toward your perfect smile!

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh provides orthodontic treatment across all ages, including young kids and adults. She has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and the management of jaw deformities. vwww.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Unleashing every student’s musical potential with Canadian International School Academy of Music

Canadian International School (CIS) recently launched an Academy of Music, which aims to nurture aspiring musicians by enhancing existing musical opportunities in school and creating new possibilities for CIS students to train, learn, and perform.

Under the Academy of Music, students will have varied opportunities. Primary and secondary students can participate in ensembles such as orchestra, choir, modern band and even music technology workshops. Other exciting activities include participating in external competitions, attending masterclasses with faculty at the local music conservatory, and having private lessons with professional instructors.

One of the academy’s unique offerings is school-day instrumental and vocal lessons, where students can learn how to play an instrument. They can also take buddy lessons with one or two friends from the same grade level. 

The Academy of Music builds upon CIS’s well-established music and arts programme, which offers numerous performance opportunities across different platforms such as concerts, musicals, and solo acts in recitals. CIS’s music programme has enabled many students to hone their musical skills and pursue music after graduation with acceptance into prestigious universities such as the Royal Academy of Music and participation in distinguished international programmes. Five IB diploma programmes students, for example, were recently accepted into the summer music programme at Berklee College of Music in Boston. 

Interested to learn more about CIS’ music programme? Visit CIS’s upcoming Open House on 20 September. Register for the Open House here!

CIS hosts first-ever Yale MUN Singapore conference in SEA

Preparing their students for life outside classrooms, Canadian International School (CIS) is always on the lookout to provide opportunities that expose them to real-world issues and equip them with tools to tackle such challenges.

Embodying this spirit, CIS recently hosted a Model United Nations (MUN) conference, in collaboration with Yale University. After months of planning and collaborating with Yale directors and students, CIS presented the first-ever Yale Model United Nations conference in South East Asia: Yale MUN Singapore.

MUN is a simulation of United Nations committees and conferences where students learn, discuss, and debate about historical or real-time problems from around the world. These topics range from political disputes to climate action and health crises. Students role-play as delegates representing different countries, where they draft and debate directives, resolutions, or papers, aiming to solve the problems addressed.

There were 400 registered delegates from more than 20 schools who participated in the Yale MUN Singapore conference. Delegates flew in from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, The Philippines,Taiwan,and Canada.

According to secondary principal Dan Smith, this first-ever Yale MUN Singapore was “really exciting” as CIS students get to work with Yale students, and had amazing takeaways, such as “increasing the quality of conversation and debate through the experience that they bring.”

Teacher-in-charge Séverine Fumoux added that the event provided CIS students with a great opportunity for students to experience “something of a different scale” and the ability to “network” with the accomplished members of the conference.

Students from both CIS and Yale sangpraises of the event, talking about the valuable insights and connections they’ve gained from this exceptional experience.

“I’m super thankful to CIS for allowing us to come to Singapore. This is our first conference here and it really exceeded our expectations when it came to membership and the quality of the conferences,” Yale student Noah Killeen shared.

Hear more about CIS’s teaching approaches and curriculum at their upcoming Open House. Register your interest here.

Ask the Dentist: Do oral piercings put your oral health at risk?

Numerous individuals opt for oral piercings as a means of self-expression, and the popularity of these has risen in recent years. That being said, not many individuals seek advice from a dentist before proceeding with them.

Oral piercings are any piercings located within or attached to the mouth, such as those on the tongue, lips, and cheeks. Oral piercings can affect your dental health, with potential complications after the piercing. They include:

• Infection around the piercing: an infected tongue piercing poses a potentially life-threatening risk as it may cause tongue swelling, obstructing the airway.
• Tooth crack, chip, or tooth decay: rubbing your tongue piercing against your teeth can injure your gums and lead to cracked teeth. It may also damage fillings.
• Cavities: the piercing may accumulate plaque as it traps food particles and debris.
• Nerve damage: you may sometimes experience numbness due to nerve impairment. This damage may be permanent, impacting your sense of taste and mouth mobility.
• Prolonged bleeding: a punctured blood vessel during the piercing process may also lead to significant blood loss.
• Allergic reaction: the metal used in the piercing may trigger an allergic reaction at the site of the piercing.

Post-piercing care becomes crucial to maintain oral health. Prioritise diligent oral hygiene, paying close attention to both your jewellery and the piercing site. Explore these aftercare tips:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes each with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once a day
• Avoid using your teeth or tongue to 'play' with your jewellery
• Use an alcohol-free mouth rinse during and after the healing process

If you notice any signs of a cracked tooth or tooth decay after getting an oral piercing, it's crucial to seek professional help from a dental specialist or dentist.

Dr Tan Kian Meng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics with Specialist Dental Group®. He is also a Clinical Lecturer at the National University of Singapore and Diplomate with the American Board of Prosthodontics. He was formerly a Consultant at Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Fellow of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Oncologic Dentistry Fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr Tan has special interest in prosthetic and implant restorative dentistry.

How To Find Your Perfect Nude

By Ellie Sakrzewski

Nude lip colour never goes out of style, however it can be one of the hardest makeup items to add to your repertoire. 

Choosing the perfect nude lip colour depends on several factors, including your skin tone, undertones, personal preferences, and the occasion you’re dressing for. Here are some of my tips. 

Determine Your Skin Undertone: 

• Cool Undertones: Your skin may have hints of pink, red, or blue. Look for nude lip colors with cool undertones such as pink, mauve, or taupe. 
• Warm Undertones: Your skin may have hints of yellow, peach, or gold. Opt for nude lip colors with warm undertones such as peach, caramel, or bronze. 
• Neutral Undertones: If you have neutral undertones, you can pull off a wide range of nude lip colours. Shades with balanced undertones, like soft browns or dusty roses, tend to work well. 

Consider Your Skin Tone: 

• Fair Skin: Light nude shades like soft pinks, peachy nudes, or light beige tend to complement fair skin tones. 
• Medium Skin: Warm nude shades like caramel, mauve, or terracotta can enhance medium skin tones. 
• Deep/Dark Skin: Rich nude shades like deep browns, chocolate, or berry-toned nudes can be flattering for darker skin tones. 

Consider Your Lip Pigmentation: 

• If you have naturally pigmented lips, you might want to choose a nude shade that’s slightly deeper or brighter to ensure it shows up well on your lips.

Match Your Makeup Look: 

• Consider the makeup look you typically wear. For a natural look, choose a nude shade close to your lip color. For a more dramatic look, you might want to go a shade or two darker or lighter than your natural lip colour. 

Experiment and Have Fun: 

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and finishes. What works for someone else might not necessarily work for you.
• Sometimes nude lip colours can look flat. I like to add a sheer pink or peach lip gloss over the top to ‘lift’ the look. Remember, the perfect nude lip color is subjective and can vary from person to person.

ASK THE DENTIST: Is root canal treatment appropriate for individuals of all ages?

 

As discussed in last month's article, root canal treatment (RCT) eliminates bacteria from infected root canals. A successful RCT can help you maintain your natural smile, restore function and prevent tooth extraction.

RCT can be recommended for both adults and children if there are signs and symptoms that indicate the need for it. The procedure can be performed on both permanent and baby teeth by a general dentist or specialist (e.g. paedodontist or endodontist).

One of the greatest fears of having to undergo RCT is that the treatment would be very painful. However, RCTs carried out by a trained dental surgeon should be relatively painless as it is performed under local anesthesia. In fact, many patients fall asleep during their treatment. For patients who are nervous, treatment can be carried out under sedation. This helps reduce anxiety and allow RCT to be completed in a safe and comfortable manner.

If you suspect that you need a root canal, it is important to act fast. Delaying treatment whilst experiencing pain or discomfort can lead to more severe issues. You may discuss any concerns or questions with your endodontist/dentist so that they can advise the most suitable option to save your teeth with minimal discomfort. Take the first step to a pain-free, healthy mouth by visiting an endodontist/dentist near you today.

Dr Irene Sim is an Endodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularization, apexification, non-vital bleaching & cracked teeth management.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Mac or PC?

 

If you really really have to choose...

It's become an age-old question – which is better? The answer? It depends.

For some it’s a religious choice. For others its budget. For the pragmatic among us, here is a list of pros and cons that can help inform your choice.

Mac:

Pros:

1. Build Quality: Macs are known for their premium build quality and sleek design, appealing to users who prioritize aesthetics and durability.

2. Ecosystem Integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services, creating a cohesive user experience for those within the Apple ecosystem.

3. Creative Software: Macs are favoured by creative professionals due to optimized software for graphic design, video editing, and music production.

4. Security: Historically, MacOS has been considered more secure than Windows, with fewer malware threats and a robust security architecture.

Cons:

1. Price: Macs tend to be more expensive than their PC counterparts, limiting accessibility for budget-conscious users.

2. Limited Customization: Apple restricts hardware customization options, limiting user choices for upgrading or modifying their devices.

3. Gaming: While the situation is improving, Macs historically have not been the choice for gamers, with fewer game titles natively available for MacOS.

PC:

Pros:

1. Customization: PCs offer a wide range of customization options, allowing users to choose from various hardware configurations and manufacturers to suit their specific needs and budget.

2. Software Compatibility: Windows has extensive software compatibility, supporting a broad range of applications for business, productivity, and entertainment.

3. Gaming: PCs dominate the gaming scene, with a vast majority of games developed and optimized for the Windows platform.

4. Affordability: In general, PCs can offer more budget-friendly options, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Cons:

1. Build Consistency: The wide range of manufacturers can result in varying build qualities, and not all PCs may match the premium build standards of Macs.

2. Ecosystem Fragmentation: Unlike the integrated Apple ecosystem, PCs may not offer the same level of seamless integration between different devices and services.

3. Security Concerns: Windows is more susceptible to malware and security threats. However, recent versions have slightly improved security measures.

Do I really need root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a dental procedure that is performed to save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed due to extensive tooth structure loss, inflammation or infection. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can result in pain and swelling. A tooth remains infected until RCT is completed, or the tooth is extracted. While the pain may subside with the aid of medication, the infection will not go away without treatment. Patients are encouraged to seek treatment promptly to prevent the infection from spreading and causing damage to surrounding structures such as bone or sinus.

Signs or symptoms that might indicate that you may need a root canal treatment include:

• Sensitivity/pain when biting or applying pressure to the tooth

• Prolonged sensitivity to cold and hot sensations

• Swollen or tender gums, or the presence of a bump/pimple on the gums (abscess)

• Discoloration (Darkening) of the tooth

• Chipped, fractured, cracked or heavily worn-down teeth with other signs or symptoms

On the other hand, a tooth with a damaged or infected pulp may not cause any pain or discomfort. Without proper treatment, these teeth may further deteriorate and lose their potential to be saved.

Need a professional opinion? Schedule a consult with our dental specialist team to determine if a root canal treatment is a suitable option for you.

Dr Irene Sim is an Endodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularization, apexification, non-vital bleaching & cracked teeth management.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Will AI steal my job?

How to navigate the new reality

The impact of AI on employment is a multifaceted and evolving phenomenon that is reshaping the landscape of work across various industries. While concerns about job displacement make good news headlines, it is important to recognize that the integration of AI technologies also brings about new opportunities and transforms the nature of many occupations.

Automation, driven by AI, has the potential to streamline routine and repetitive tasks, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. This, however, may result in the displacement of certain jobs in industries such as manufacturing, customer service, and data entry. As machines become more adept at performing specific tasks, there is a risk that low-skilled jobs may be at greater jeopardy.

Conversely, the rise of AI creates a demand for skills that complement and collaborate with these technologies. Jobs centred around the development, maintenance, and supervision of AI systems become increasingly vital. Additionally, roles requiring human qualities such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving are less susceptible to automation. As AI takes over mundane tasks, there is a growing need for human skills that involve critical thinking, adaptability, and interpersonal communication.

Moreover, the integration of AI is fostering the emergence of entirely new industries and job categories. Fields such as artificial intelligence research, machine learning engineering, and AI ethics are expanding, providing employment opportunities for individuals with specialized knowledge and expertise in these domains.

What can you do?

• Consider focusing on developing skills that complement and enhance technological advancements.

• Emphasize areas where human capabilities, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving, excel.

• Cultivate a strong foundation in critical thinking and adaptability, as these traits are less easily automated.

• Stay informed about emerging technologies and their applications within your industry. Proactively seek opportunities for upskilling and training in areas related to AI, machine learning, and data analysis.

• Nurture interpersonal skills and effective communication, as these remain integral to many roles and are challenging for AI to replicate.

• Finally, consider networking and building relationships within your industry to stay connected with evolving trends and potential opportunities.

We all need to develop a collaborative approach to AI systems, embracing them as tools to enhance your productivity rather than viewing them as adversaries.

Ask the Dentist: How to treat gum disease?

 

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, involves inflammation of the tissues supporting your teeth caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque. While inadequate oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, some individuals are more susceptible to this condition despite diligent brushing and flossing.

Gum disease typically starts with swollen and bleeding gums. It can progressively affect the bones surrounding your gums without proper treatment, resulting in teeth loss and a diminished quality of life. As the initial stages of gum disease may be pain-free, it is crucial to look out for symptoms signaling gum disease:

• Red and swollen gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing teeth
• Receding gums
• Shaky teeth
• Teeth sensitivity
• Increasing spaces between teeth
• Persistent bad breath

There are three common types of treatment for gum disease.

1. Scaling and root planing removes any plaque from your teeth and developed gum pockets, and smoothens the tooth roots to facilitate the reattachment of the gums to your teeth.

2. Gum flap surgery is recommended if scaling and root planing does not successfully resolve gum inflammation and deep gum pockets, which are subsequently closed with stitches so the gums hug snugly around the teeth.

3. Bone graft surgery is needed when gum disease has damaged the bone supporting your teeth. The surgery repairs the affected area using materials such as membrane filters and bone grafts to stimulate bone and tissue regeneration.

Prevention is always better than cure. To maintain good oral hygiene,

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
• Visit your Periodontist/dentist twice a year
• Floss once a day

Visit a dental specialist or dentist to seek a professional opinion if you notice any unusual signs.

Dr. Daylene Leong is a Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group®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 | (65) 6733 7883