ASK THE DENTIST: Toothache Abroad: When is it Serious?

 

A toothache while travelling or living abroad can be stressful, especially if you're unsure whether it's a minor issue or a sign of a serious dental problem. While some tooth discomfort may resolve on its own, persistent or severe tooth pain should never be ignored.

A mild toothache can occur due to temporary tooth sensitivity, such as from cold drinks, sweets, or minor gum irritation. However, certain symptoms may indicate a dental infection, cavity, or other urgent dental problem that requires professional care.

Signs Your Toothache May Be Serious:

Persistent or severe pain: tooth pain lasting more than one or two days, or pain that becomes intense and throbbing, may indicate tooth decay, infection, or nerve inflammation.

Swelling around the tooth or face: swelling in the gums, jaw, or face may signal a dental abscess, a bacterial infection that requires prompt treatment.

Fever or feeling unwell: a toothache accompanied by fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes may mean the infection is spreading.

Pain when biting or chewing: this could be caused by a cracked tooth, cavity, or infection inside the tooth.

Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold: sensitivity that does not go away may indicate damage to the tooth pulp.

When to See a Dentist?

If you experience any of these symptoms while overseas, seek dental care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment may lead to more complex and costly dental procedures later.

If you're living or working abroad, it's wise to identify a trusted dental clinic near you before problems arise. Early treatment can prevent small dental issues from becoming serious and help you enjoy your time abroad with peace of mind.

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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

What does IB learning look like in Kindergarten?

 

At the Canadian International School (CIS) learning is active, inquiry-driven, and often takes place beyond the walls of a classroom. The curriculum is inspired by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, a framework that builds curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

Learning through questions and exploration

At CIS, children learn by asking big questions, exploring hands-on, and connecting their ideas to the world around them. In one classroom, for example, a question about plants might lead to a hands-on investigation with children examining soil, observing growth in the garden, and sharing their findings with classmates. These experiences help them grow to be thinkers, communicators, and caring members of a community.

Teachers also observe play and interactions closely, using these insights to offer personalised support for each child’s growth.

Daily exploration in an outdoor classroom

Each morning, learning moves to the 2,400sqm Outdoor Discovery Centre on the doorstep of the Kindergarten classrooms. The outdoor classroom is purposefully designed with a mud kitchen for applied mathematical and scientific inquiry, cycling paths and climbing structures for gross motor development and eco-spaces for studying natural habitats.

The Kindergarten wing also includes a glass-enclosed art studio, a kindergarten library with a multilingual collection, an indoor pool, dance studio, and a 200-seat black box theatre, creating an environment where children thrive from the very beginning.

Experience IB learning in action

Join us at the Magical Garden Party on 25 April from 9.30am to 11am. Meet principals and teachers, explore the learning environment, and discover what makes CIS such a special place to grow. Register now to secure your place.

   

You’re Invited to CIS’s Celebration of 35 Years

In a city full of great schools, how do you find the one that fits your family? On Saturday 14 March, Canadian International School (CIS) invites you to experience the difference as it celebrates 35 years of global learning at its biggest family festival yet. 

It's your chance to be part of the school community and experience first-hand the warm, welcoming spirit that makes the school so uniquely Canadian.

What to expect?

Picture your child playing ball hockey, lads-vs-dads (and mums!) football matches, human foosball and water ninja courses, all while building confidence, resilience, and friendships. Younger children will be busy exploring hands-on challenges in arts, math, science, and movement, keeping both their minds and bodies active.

For parents, it's an opportunity to connect. Meet other families. Talk to principals and teachers. Walk the campus. See how sport, arts, music and innovative teaching come together to nurture well-rounded, globally minded children. Hear stories that trace CIS's journey over the past 35 years, while experiencing their Community, Innovation, and Heritage all in one experience.

And because no Canadian celebration is complete without great food and entertainment, you can enjoy snacks and refreshments from Tim Hortons, vibrant student performances on the main stage all afternoon, and stick around for an exciting Air Canada giveaway.

Hear from a CIS parent 

"What drew us to CIS was the academics, but what won us over was the warmth. There's something very Canadian about the way everyone is welcomed and encouraged to participate. Events like this show our children that learning, sport and community all belong together." - Anny Armstrong, British, CIS parent from 2024

Celebrate 35 years of CIS

Join us on Saturday 14 March from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for back-to-back family fun. The event is free to attend and suitable for children of all ages. Register early to secure your spot.

Ask the Dentist: Why Is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) a Problem If You Ignore It?

Living in a fast-paced city like Singapore, many juggle demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and frequent travel. It’s no surprise that stress-related dental issues, especially bruxism, are common.

What exactly is bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth. It can happen during:

•  the day (awake bruxism) – often linked to stress, concentration, or anxiety 
• sleep (sleep bruxism) – which occurs unconsciously and is harder to detect

 Many patients don’t realise they grind their teeth until:

• A partner mentions hearing grinding noises at night
• A dentist spots worn-down or flattened teeth during a routine check-up

Is occasional grinding a concern?

Grinding once in a while may not cause major damage. However, when it becomes frequent or forceful, the pressure placed on your teeth and jaw joints can be significant — often stronger than normal chewing forces.

Left untreated, bruxism can cause long-term damage to your teeth, jaw, and overall quality of life, for instance:

• Irreversible severe tooth wear
• Cracked teeth or even tooth loss
• Damage to crowns, veneers, implants, or fillings
• Persistent jaw soreness and facial muscle fatigue
• Problems involving the jaw joint (TMJ disorders)
• Enlargement of jaw muscles, which can subtly change facial shape
• Difficulty chewing comfortably
• Disturbed sleep quality

Early detection through regular dental check-ups is key. Recognising bruxism early can help you take control and prevent serious damage.

If you notice signs of teeth grinding, seeking a dental assessment is simple and can help you avoid more complex problems later.

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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.

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

ASK THE DENTIST: How to keep your smile healthy this festive season?

The festive season is here - bringing family gatherings, late-night catchups, and plenty of delicious treats. While it’s perfectly fine to indulge, our teeth often take the hit without us realising. With a few simple habits, you can enjoy every moment and keep your smile feeling its best.

1. Be Mindful of Sugary Snacks

It’s almost impossible to avoid chocolates, cookies, and sweet treats at this time of year. Enjoy them in moderation. A helpful tip is to have sweets alongside meals rather than grazing throughout the day. This reduces the amount of time your teeth are exposed to sugar.

2. Balance with Water

With festive drinks flowing, don’t forget to sip water regularly. It does more than keep you hydrated — it helps rinse away food particles, neutralise acids, and prevent that dry, sticky feeling in your mouth.

3. Keep Your Routine Going

Busy schedules and late nights can disrupt even the best habits, but brushing and flossing still matter. Stick to brushing twice a day and flossing daily. If you know you’ll be out all day, a small travel toothbrush in your bag can be a lifesaver.

4. Give Your Teeth a Break with Better Snacks

Between indulgences, choose tooth-friendly options such as cheese, fruits, or vegetables. They’re satisfying, nutritious, and kinder to your teeth.

5. Schedule That Dental Visit

If it’s been more than six months since your last check-up, the start of the year is a great time to pop by. A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach.

With a little extra care, your smile can stay bright and healthy all season long. Here’s to good food, great company, and confident smiles!

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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, revascularisation, apexification, nonvital bleaching & cracked teeth management.

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

Celebrate 35 Years of Firsts with CIS

CIS has celebrated many firsts over the years. From launching one of Singapore’s earliest award-winning bilingual programmes, to becoming the first international school to fully embed STEAM into everyday learning, to reimagining experiential education with a purpose-built Outdoor Discovery Centre, CIS has continually pushed what school can be.

For 35 years, the Canadian International School (CIS) has been growing, learning and evolving alongside families in Singapore. What started in 1990 as a small Canadian prep school has become one of the country’s most established international IB World schools built on curiosity, connection and a belief that education should open doors.

With a strong International Baccalaureate foundation, now complemented by Advanced Placement pathways, CIS continues to look ahead, helping students build confidence, ask meaningful questions and find their place in a changing world.

On Saturday 14 March, the school invites everyone to join their 35-year journey celebrations and explore what makes CIS international, inclusive and community-driven.

Expect an afternoon packed with fun for all ages, from Human Foosball, Water Ninja Courses, Go-Kart races and Floor Is Lava, to giant Tetris, STEAM design challenges and live music. Our Canadian neighbours Air Canada and Tim Hortons will be joining us with timbits, maple syrup pancakes and family-friendly favourites to enjoy.

The day brings together Heritage, Community and Innovation, each sharing a part of the CIS story. Whether you’re part of the CIS journey or discovering it for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, celebrate and look ahead together.

Register your spot and celebrate 35 years of CIS.