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.

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.