The Chinese New Year is around the corner. For the millions of people who celebrate it worldwide, the  must-do list includes spring cleaning, decorating the home, buying new clothes, preparing new bank notes for hongbao (red packets), and of course stocking up on tidbits.

Eating seems to be the theme when family and friends get together during the festive season. Our mouth might be the most active during this period, as it does the eating and talking more than usual. Thus, there is a need to give extra attention to our teeth and mouth. The last thing you should be worried about during this season is a dental problem.

In addition to making sure that your home is in tip-top condition to start the New Lunar Year, this is also a good time to ensure that your gums and teeth are also looking their best. Schedule a visit to your dentist for your routine check-up… or if you have not been to the dentist for quite awhile, make an appointment for a consultation to address any outstanding issues.

Tips to keep possible dental problems at bay:

• Avoid chewing too many hard nuts, hard candy or ice cube as they tend to weaken your tooth enamel, making the enamel vulnerable to cracking. 
• Choose drinks with less sugar or acidic content. In addition, make sure that your drink is not too hot or not too cold, so that it will not hurt your teeth. Drinking these types of drinks through a straw allows your teeth to have lesser contact with the beverage.  
• Visit your dentist and complete the necessary dental work done before the festivities start. It might be the last thing on your current to-do-list, but reconsider if you do not want to get an unpleasant surprise in the middle of your celebrations.
• Always bring your toothbrush with you! It allows you to brush after a snack or a big meal, to make sure the niangao (sticky ricecake) does not stick to your teeth.

For Emergencies during the Festive Season

After noting all the “do’s and don’ts” above, if the unexpected happens, make sure you have your dentist’s number or the hospital Accident and Emergency department number on your list of important contacts. Mount Elizabeth Hospital has a 24 hours A&E department (65) 6731-2218. For existing patients of Specialist Dental Group, please contact the emergency number on the dentists’ business cards.

Our clinic will be closed at 1pm on Wednesday, February 2, and will remain closed for the Chinese New Year Holiday. We will re-open on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 9am.

To all our patients, friends and colleagues to celebrate the Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai ! Xin Nian Kuai Le !  May 2011 be a year that is leaps and bounds ahead of the previous year. Have a Happy and Healthy Celebration!

Wishing Everyone a Prosperous and Healthy Chinese New Year!