Ask the Dentist: Does your child show signs of tongue-tie?

Our tongue plays a crucial role in daily functions such as swallowing, eating, and speaking. Tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum (a band of tissue beneath the tongue) is too tight or short, limiting its range of motion. If unaddressed, this condition may lead to speech challenges over time, especially with pronouncing certain sounds as a child grows. 

Signs of tongue-tie in babies: 

• difficulty latching during breastfeeding 
• producing a clicking sound while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding 

Signs of tongue-tie in older children: 

• a tongue with a heart-shaped tip when extended 
• difficulty stretching the tongue past the lower front teeth 
• challenges in lifting tongue to touch the upper teeth or moving it side to side 
• trouble with clear speech and pronouncing sounds such as d, l, s, t, and th 

What are the treatment options for tongue-tie? 

If you suspect your newborn is suffering from a possible tongue-tie, it is best to consult a paediatrician for a thorough examination to determine if intervention is necessary. In addition, seeking guidance from a lactation specialist may provide valuable breastfeeding support and advice. 

When tongue-tie surgery is recommended, it is typically treated with a frenectomy — a minor procedure performed by an oral surgeon. This can be done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. 

The oral surgeon carefully removes the lingual frenum (the soft tissue restricting tongue movement) using a surgical blade, electric knife, or laser during the procedure. The entire process generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes. If your child is experiencing any of the tongue-tie symptoms mentioned above, get a professional diagnosis today. 

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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. www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883 

Academic Success: It all Starts with Play

Play is more than fun—it’s essential for a child’s development. It builds critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, and social skills that are key to academic success and lifelong learning. Research shows children learn best when actively engaged, yet play is often undervalued in education. At Canadian International School (CIS), we recognise its importance and prioritise meaningful, uninterrupted playtime.

This is why we introduced Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) into our curriculum. OPAL is an award-winning programme that enhances play in schools by providing open-ended materials like tyres, planks, and ropes, sparking curiosity and creativity. Unlike traditional playgrounds, OPAL fosters diverse play experiences:

• Exploratory play— Testing ideas and materials
• Imaginative play— Creating new worlds and narratives
• Social play— Building collaboration and communication skills
• Physical play— Developing motor skills and confidence

A Lasting Impact on Student Success

As a top International Baccalaureate (IB) school, CIS nurtures inquisitive, independent learners. OPAL supports this by giving students ownership of their learning through exploration, questioning, and hands-on experiences—key elements of the IB inquiry-based model.

Andrew Marshall, primary principal at CIS, shares that since implementing OPAL, the school has seen remarkable improvements in student engagement, behaviour, and well-being. Play has become a powerful tool for fostering inclusivity, leadership, and confidence. Teachers report fewer behavioral incidents, while students return to class more focused, particularly in creative subjects. Parents also notice their children applying problem-solving and social strategies beyond school.

“As we continue to refine OPAL with student input, we remain committed to fostering a love for learning through the power of play—building confident, capable learners prepared for the future,” he adds.

Join us at the CIS STEAM Fair on Saturday, 8 March.

Interested to find out more about how CIS inspires a lifelong love of learning in our students? Come to the CIS STEAM Fair on 8 March, 11 am to 3 pm! It’s the perfect chance to explore our campus, try hands-on activities, and discover how learning can be exciting and full of wonder. Register here and join us for a day of fun, curiosity, and creativity for all ages! 

Ask the Dentist: Is charcoal toothpaste a whitening hack or a risky trend?

 

Charcoal toothpaste has gained popularity for its promise of a whiter smile. Made with activated charcoal, it is believed to absorb stains and plaque, helping to brighten teeth. However, is it truly safe?

Activated charcoal is a porous substance used in various products. Charcoal toothpaste works by scrubbing away surface stains. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that there is insufficient evidence to prove its safety or effectiveness in whitening teeth.

Charcoal toothpaste can be abrasive. It removes stains by wearing away the outer enamel — a process that can cause long-term damage.

Risks of Charcoal Toothpaste

While it may temporarily whiten teeth, charcoal toothpaste comes with significant risks:

• Abrasiveness – It can wear down enamel, leading to sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities. Note that enamel loss is irreversible.
• Lack of fluoride protection – Most charcoal toothpastes do not contain fluoride, which is essential for cavity prevention and enamel protection.
• Gum irritation – The rough texture can cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and even recession.
• Stains on restorations – Crowns, veneers, and fillings may absorb charcoal particles, causing discolouration over time.

Due to these risks, charcoal toothpaste is not recommended for daily use. Safer alternatives include:

• Professional whitening – Consult your dentist for safe and effective whitening treatments.
• Regular cleanings – Routine dental check-ups help maintain a bright smile without damaging enamel.

Before trying new dental products, consult your dentist to ensure it's safe for your oral health.

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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.

www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883 

Ask the Dentist: Can stress and anxiety impact my oral health?

 

It may come as a surprise, but stress, anxiety, and depression can have a direct impact on how you care for your teeth and gums, often leading to unintended consequences for your smile. Studies have revealed a strong connection between mental health and oral health as part of overall well-being.

When your mental well-being takes a hit, it is common for oral hygiene routines to be neglected. skipping your daily brushing and flossing routine due to fatigue or lack of motivation can lead to plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease. In addition, stress can increase the likelihood of clenching or grinding your teeth (a condition known as bruxism), which may cause cracked tooth, jaw pain, and headaches. Stress, anxiety and depression can also cause dry mouth, as the body produces less saliva under pressure. Saliva is essential to neutralise harmful acids in the mouth and moisten food for easy swallowing. Medications for anxiety and depression are known to worsen dry mouth conditions. Mental health issues can also influence dietary habits. Some may turn to sugary snacks for comfort, increasing tooth decay risk.

The connection between mental and oral health works both ways. Poor oral health can lower self-esteem and lead to social anxiety, further amplifying mental health challenges.

Tips to maintain both your mental and dental health:

• Try to stay consistent with your oral hygiene

• Visit your dentist every six months for a routine check-up

• Seek professional help if you're feeling overwhelmed

Remember, your mental and dental health are closely connected. Hence, nurturing both is essential for a happier, healthier you!

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.

In today’s rapidly changing world, students need more than traditional education. To thrive, they require essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability—skills vital for navigating technological advances, global challenges, and complex problems.

Recognising this, Canadian International School (CIS) developed their STEAM educational approach 10 years ago. The CIS STEAM approach integrates five key disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It encourages students to explore these subjects in a hands-on and creative way, helping them develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and teamwork. By blending the technical and creative aspects of learning, STEAM prepares students for real-world challenges and inspires them to think critically across different disciplines.The CIS STEAM

Legacy
CIS was the first school in Singapore to adopt the STEAM educational approach, highlighting the interconnected strands of scientific inquiry with technological application, the problem-solving of engineering, artistic creativity, and mathematical modelling. Over the past decade, CIS has refined and advanced their approach, building STEAM into their curriculum and teaching philosophy, and establishing themselves as thought leaders in the field.

The STEAM approach empowers CIS students with problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills essential for success in today’s fast-changing world. As CIS continues to lead the field as a STEAM school, their STEAM 2.0 initiative integrates cutting-edge advancements like AI-based learning and innovative teaching methodologies to enhance and enrich students' learning experiences.

Your Opportunity to Experience STEAM @ CIS

Take a closer look at how CIS brings STEAM to life in classrooms at their upcoming CIS STEAM Fair on 8 March at 11am. Bring your family along and you will get to experience how your children learn and innovate as they try their hand at interactive activities that CIS students enjoy in class. The event is free and all family members are welcome. Register now here to confirm your attendance.