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A couple of articles are added each month with many more articles provided in the CAS's Maple Leaf Times (eMLT) magazine. To receive your eMLT magazine sent directly to your inbox (8 issues per year), become a member of the Canadian Association of Singapore. Visit the CAS website to register -- www.canadians.org.sg

Monday, March 2, 2026

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