Specialist Dental Group has launched an on-going series of blog posts by our individual dental specialists. All views provided are the dentist’s own opinions and are posted on this blog as part of our on-going efforts to educate the public about dental issues and other matters of interest relating to dentistry and healthcare.

We all know that smoking is hazardous to health. Numerous research studies have shown that smoking is the cause of cancers, heart disease, and other ailments. Due to the addictive nature of smoking, it is simply a hard habit to get rid of. Some people compare smoking with eating junk food except that smoking does not add on additional calories to our body. Peer pressure may also be an issue as it may be hard to refrain when people around you are all doing the same thing.

A recent newspaper article told an interesting story. Like many smart people, this Florida man was trying to kick his smoking habit. He was using an electronic smokeless cigarette. The idea was to slowly cut back to zero puffing instead of going cold-turkey. However, on this eventful day, his electronic cigarette blew up in his face, ending up damaging part of his lip, face, and tongue. He described it as if a firecracker exploded in between his teeth!! Imagine how much pain and shock he was in after that!

Speculation was that it was the lithium battery (LiPo) inside the cigarette that caused the explosion. Rechargeable batteries are great invention but these high-power LiPo batteries are known to be temperamental and many incidents of fire have been reported as a result of misuse of the LiPo battery or simply misbehavior of the LiPo itself. Watch this video to see how overcharging LiPo batteries causes fire.

Luckily, these electronic cigarettes are not being sold in Singapore.

Well, I hope this is not an excuse for the victim to switch back to the ‘safer traditional’ version. After all, the best method to get rid of the habit is to never start it.

Dr. Ansgar C. Cheng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics (Teeth Replacement) with Specialist Dental Group™. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor with the National University of Singapore.  He has a special interest in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and treatment of  medically compromised patients, including cancer patients. For more information about Dr. Cheng, click here

Recent research conducted by Case Western Reserve University which was published in the Journal of Periodontology, found a significant association between periodontal disease and obesity among individuals aged 18 to 34 years. The study was conducted to assess if significant weight loss would improve the response to non-surgical periodontal (gum) therapy in obese patients. The study showed an improved response to non-surgical periodontal therapy in obese patients who had significant weight loss following bariatric surgery compared to obese subjects who did not have such a surgery.

This is due to the fact that obesity may interfere with the ability of the immune system to appropriately respond to the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, as has been found in another study by Boston University.

Previously, in an interview on the most common dental issues in the 21^st century, Dr Neo Tee Khin and Dr. Helena Lee identified changes in lifestyle as one of the determining factors for dental issues. Most young adults tend to skip regular meals (less consumption of vegetables and fruits) and resort to frequent snacking of foods that contain high sugar, such as chocolates, pastries, and soft drinks. This dietary habits are a major cause of obesity, which can increase yourrisk of periodontal disease.

Start eating healthily, it will help you in keeping your body shape and also reducing the rate of progression of gum disease. This is one of the ways for a beautiful smile…

How do you plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day (V-Day) on February 14^th? Hotels, restaurants, florists and chocolate specialty shops have decorated their outlets pink or red. They have also displayed their attractively packaged gifts for you to choose for your loved ones. Have you decided on one?

Among other preparations for V-Day, one thing that may have slipped your mind is to prepare yourself with a bright white smile and fresh breath. You don’t want to spoil the romantic moment and scare off your partner or partner-to-be with bad breath, do you?

Based on the Oral-B Healthier Teeth, Healthier Singapore survey carried out by The Nielsen Company in 2011, 66% of Singaporeans indicated that they would never go on a date with a person with bad breath and 58% agreed that they would never go on a date with someone with visible dental problems such as tooth decay or swollen gums. Thus, dental problems may be the kiss of death for your romance. What can you do about it?

Understanding the causes of your dental problem is the first step in solving the problem. There are several possible causes of bad breath or halitosis. While bad breath is commonly caused by localized dental problems, such as infection, ill-fitting dental fillings or dentures, other factors that cause bad breath include;

• Periodontal or gum disease;
• Consumption of certainfoods, e.g., garlic, certain spices, etc
• Poor oral hygiene – caused by food particles between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums which collect bacteria;
• Dry mouth condition (xerostomia) which can occur due to hormonal changes (e.g., menopause) or due to other medications;
• Smoking;
• Other medical conditions, such as digestive system problems, diabetes, ear or nose infections, or some forms of cancer

Consider seeing a dentist

Depending on the root cause of the problem, the issue should be addressed accordingly. If the cause is traced to food particles that are trapped in misaligned or crowded teeth, the dentist may recommend seeking orthodontic treatment to straighten the teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth that do not have enough room to erupt can also be food traps and one may want to consider wisdom teeth surgery as a preventive measure.

The simplest solution is to practice good oral hygiene such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day, making sure the gum and tongue areas are cleaned, as well as flossing your teeth. Using non-alcohol based mouthwash may also be helpful.

If the bad breath is due to certain medical conditions, your dentist will refer you to the appropriate medical specialist. With a proper examination, investigation and diagnosis, your dentist should be able to pin point the causes of bad breath and carry out treatment accordingly.

Specialist Dental Group has launched an on-going series of blog posts by our individual dental specialists. All views provided are the dentist’s own opinions and are posted on this blog as part of our on-going efforts to educate the public about dental issues and other matters of interest relating to dentistry and healthcare.

Being pregnant is a process that half the human race could potentially experience…..the female half, that is. And it is the most natural and satisfying experience a woman could hope to encounter, if blessed with such an opportunity!

Pregnancy is not a disease, but the changes it brings on can be associated with other “diseases”. The earliest changes are the surge in the “female” hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help maintain the pregnancy, but they also contribute to bouts of nausea, the severity of which may vary from one woman to another.

In bad cases, even the usually well-loved food odours become repulsive. Nausea and vomiting that persist for a long time can affect the nutritional status of the mum-to-be, since she may not be retaining sufficient food for good nourishment. Constant vomiting also brings up a lot of gastric acid, which over the long term may cause erosion of the enamel surfaces of teeth. This author can even attest to the fact that tooth-brushing becomes difficult. During both my previous and present pregnancies, I have not been able to tolerate the smell or taste of toothpaste. The process of trying to brush my back teeth (molars) causes the inevitable vomiting. And I have anecdotal evidence from some of my female patients that they have faced the same trials. So, through my own experiences, I empathise with these patients, when they present with poorer oral hygiene during or after pregnancy.

Another important change caused by the surge of hormones is the flare-up of swollen and bleeding gums that women experience in pregnancy. Much research has been devoted to this form of gum disease. It is true that the hormones, estrogen and progesterone, make the gums more sensitive to the effects of bacterial plaque. However, if the levels of dental plaque and calculus (the main causes of gum disease) were kept under control before pregnancy, then no noticeable changes in gum disease should occur. Conversely, if there is underlying, untreated gum disease, then during pregnancy, the gums swell alarmingly, bleed easily when touched and teeth become more mobile. Persistent, severe gum disease has been associated with  higher rates of miscarriage and preterm labour.  Preterm birth results in low birth-weight babies who are faced with more developmental issues.

Gum disease has also been strongly associated with diabetes, where there is lack of control of sugar levels in the blood. Since diabetes is also a potential complication of pregnancy, we strongly advice that taking good care of dental health before and during pregnancy is as essential as the consumption of good
food and vitamins and all the antenatal care that the doctor provides.

I make it a point to educate my young female patients that they should take care of their oral hygiene well before planning for a baby. Prevention is better than cure: when one starts early with regular brushing and flossing and visits to the dentist, then maintaining good dental health in any phase of life becomes easier. Even when faced with the alarming scenario of swollen and bleeding gums, the mum-to-be should not ignore the problem, but rather seek help from a dentist or periodontist to get the condition under control. Contrary to the “old grandmother’s tales”, dental treatment is safe during pregnancy. Only the use of x-rays is avoided.

With the easy availability of information and the good dental and medical care that women in Singapore in particular enjoy, pregnancy should be smooth-sailing, just as it has been for me. As I look forward to the birth of my second son, I wish all mothers and mums-to-be out there good health and happiness!

Dr Helena Lee is a Periodontist with Specialist Dental Group. She holds an appointment as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Preventive Dentistry, National University of Singapore. She has co-authored several papers in peer-reviewed journals and has lectured at professional local and international conferences. Dr Lee has a special interest in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease, gingival plastic surgery, soft and hard tissue grafting and dental implants. For more information on Dr Lee, click here

We have a position available with our Business Affairs Team in the area of Patient Services / Business Operations.

The successful candidate will be liaising with our patients to enhance their healthcare experience and will also be working closely with our team of dental specialists, nurses and support staff to ensure the smooth delivery of daily business and clinical operations. She will also be assisting with business development projects and coordinating special events.  Excellent writing skills are important as the position also involves updating our website, writing blog posts and creating content for marketing materials. Other responsibilities may evolve depending on the skills, experience and interests of the candidate.

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of an award-winning team and grow with our organization.

Requirements:

• Candidates must be a Singaporean or a permanent resident of Singapore
• Bahasa Indonesia skills are essential as the candidate would need to liase with with Indonesian speaking patients and provide interpretation/translation. Chinese language skills would be an asset.
• Customer service experience and a genuine interest and concern for people is important
• Ability to write well in English
• Capacity to multi-task and work independently as well as part of a team is important

To apply, click on our application form.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and was responsible for about 13% of all deaths in 2008. 4 February is marked as World Cancer Day to promote ways to prevent cancer and raise the quality of life for cancer patients.

Reducing Risks of Cancer

We can minimize our risks of cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle.

1)    Healthy Diet: Consumption of certain foods may increase the risk of cancer. The Singapore Cancer Foundation recommends keeping a healthy diet through reducing consumption of food that is high in fat, and smoked or salted food. A high consumption of salt increases the risk of stomach cancer.  Eating too much red meat is also associated with colorectal cancer. It is better to consume more foods with high fibre such as vegetables and fruits and drink more water to keep yourself hydrated.

2)    Exercise 30 Minutes Daily: Keep a healthy weight by exercising regularly. Obesity has been linked to several major cancers like breast, colorectal and kidney cancer.

3)    Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Consumption: It is known that cigarettes and alcohol are the leading causes of oral cancer and head and neck cancer.

4)    Regular Screening for Early Detection: When cancer growth is detected at an early stage, the potential for cure is higher. It would also cost less, both financially and psychologically. According to the WHO, cancer prevention can save about 40% of all cancer deaths. Women above 40 years of age should plan to have mammogram screenings yearly, as it is known that in Singapore breast cancer is most prevalent in women betwee 50 years and 59 years of age. Those who have family member(s) with cancer history should also have regular check ups with the relevant health provider, as some cancers are hereditary.

For cancer patients, there are support groups available to assist both the patients and their family members. These include programmes provided by Parkway Cancer Centre, CanHope and the Breast Cancer Foundation Singapore. One should not suffer alone!

Read our previous article on dental care for cancer patients and if you think these articles are useful, please share them with your family & friends.

Polident, a US-based dental adhesive maker company, completed a survey on 1,000 denture wearers in Singapore in 2011. The survey revealed that one third of them experienced loose-fitting dentures. Surprisingly, out of the 1,000 respondents, 39% were aged from 15 – 34 years old.

The high number of young people who have lost their teeth in their early years could be due to eating habits and changing lifestyles. More people snack between meals and consume drinks with higher sugar levels. This increases the incidence of tooth decay leading to tooth loss.

Dentures are a common method to replace missing teeth. However, a vast majority of denture wearers complain of discomfort and insecurity, fearing that the dentures may fall out, especially for those with a full set of dentures.

Some denture wearers may find that dental adhesives are helpful in securing the dentures, improving the chewing efficiency and speech. This may not be a perfect solution, as dental adhesives may loosen when it comes into contact with water. Thus wearers who love to do water sports may find that it affects their hobby. Some of our denture patients have told us that they stopped swimming for fear that the dentures would fall out and be lost during the activity.

Nowadays, with more information readily available for the public, people are aware of other treatment options in replacing missing teeth, such as bridges and dental implants. While dentures are more affordable, bridges and dental implants may be a more comfortable and long term solution.

Just like dentures, bridges and dental implants have their own advantages and disadvantages. Bridges are a good option for those with one or two missing teeth. It is also an option for people who may not have enough bone to do dental implants (although in most occasions, bone grafting could help in adding the bone level to support the dental implants). However, the nature of bridges is that two adjacent teeth need to be shaped down to act as supporting teeth for the bridges.

Thus, if the clinical condition allows, people with multiple missing teeth would benefit greatly with dental implants. There is no need to file down the healthy adjacent teeth. As each tooth is treated individually, if there is a problem with a particular tooth, the dentist will need to treat that one tooth only.

Your dentist will be able to advise on the best treatment option after a thorough examination and consultation. It is important to note that maintenance after the treatments is also crucial to ensure that the new teeth/dentures are in tip top condition.

If you have any questions about tooth replacement, or would like to make an appointment, feel free to contact us

For the past few years, having gaps between the teeth have become a fashion trend. Americans and Australians are going to the dentist to create a gap between their teeth. Cosmopolitan Australia has featured the news as “on-trend teeth” and shows the pictures of the fashion icons such as Madonna and Anna Paquin with their ‘perfect imperfect smile’.

If you have been thinking about creating a man-made gap between your teeth, here are a few things to consider before going through the procedure:

• With time, people with gaps between their teeth may find that the adjacent teeth will shift, resulting in crooked teeth, which is aesthetically less appealing. In addition, crooked teeth may be a food trap, causing difficulty in brushing and in the long run, causing tooth decay.
• Once your teeth are filed down (during the creation of the gap), the enamel would not grow back. When gapped front teeth are no longer the ‘in’ thing, you will incur more time and financial investment in restoring a good set of functional and natural looking teeth.

If you already have gaps between your teeth that you are seeking to close or if your teeth have become misaligned, several treatment options are available:

• Veneers: These are thin custom-made porcelain shells designed to fit discreetly over the teeth, making them indistinguishable from our natural teeth. Veneers may be used for modifying the color or position of teeth.
• Crowns: These are restorations that cover or cap teeth, restoring them to their natural size, shape, and color. Crowns are indicated when there is a need to strengthen teeth that are mechanically weakened (e.g. teeth with large cavities).
• Braces: Braces are appliances which are used to gently correct the arrangement of your teeth. Treatment with fixed braces usually takes between two to three years, although it may sometimes be shorter and longer depending on the complexity of the case.
• Invisalign: This is a series of clear, removable, virtually invisible custom-molded aligners. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and gradually moves your teeth, before being replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Your dentist will be in the best position to discuss the various treatment options with you and to identify the procedure that suits your dental condition and lifestyle.

If you have a choice, would you wear a beautiful smile with perfectly aligned teeth or a smile with gapped front teeth?

Specialist Dental Group has launched an on-going series of blog posts by our individual dental specialists. All views provided are the dentist’s own opinions and are posted on this blog as part of our on-going efforts to educate the public about dental issues and other matters of interest relating to dentistry and healthcare.

Chinese New Year’s round the corner, and for the Chinese, this is the most important time of the year. Akin to Thanksgiving for the Americans and Canadians, this is the time of the year when traditions abound and feasts galore. More importantly, this is when we remind ourselves to be thankful for what we have.

Having had to spend Chinese New Year in the brutal cold for the past three years, in a place where nobody really celebrates the festival, I feel an inexplicable sense of joy whenever I hear Chinese New Year songs being played on the streets these days. The warmth (pun intended) of the season and the familiarity of home made me realize how I have taken for granted these intangibles and many more. Home is truly where it’s best.

I am glad to be back in Singapore, working with a stellar group of colleagues who are committed to patient care and making a difference in our patients’ lives. It is always heartening to see that patients recognize this and show their appreciation in various forms such as showering us with Chinese New Year goodies. My waistline has been expanding since I returned to Singapore, but I am not complaining, for being in a food haven is one of many things I am thankful for!

With Chinese New Year just four days away, here’s wishing everyone an awesome Chinese New Year, and a bountiful year ahead! Amidst all the feasting and merry-making, do not forget to visit your dentist!

Is the grass always greener on the other side? I have my answer. What’s yours?

Dr. Daylene Leong is a Dental Surgeon with Specialist Dental Group. She received her basic dental training at National University of Singapore and advanced training in Periodontology from the University of Michigan, USA. She is a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. For more information on Dr. Daylene Leong , click here

The Chinese New Year is around the corner and it is no doubt, one of the busiest months for the Chinese population.   Whilst everyone is busy with the spring cleaning, decorating the house during this period, one of the must-do-things on the list is to prepare titbits on the table to be served to your visiting guests. It varies from family to family, depending on their tradition. Most people will have nuts, bakkwa (Chinese salty-sweet barbequed meat product similar to jerky), carbonated sugary drinks, sweets, preserved fruits, chocolates and many more.

Thus, visiting relatives’ or friends’ homes during Chinese New Year means that it is highly likely that one will be indulging in sampling different types of snacks. Dental issues such as cracked, chipped or sensitive teeth during this period have been known to occur due to the higher intensity of chewing hard and sugary food.

Medical and dental clinics may also see a surge in the number of patients or emergency cases during or after Chinese New Year as a result of lack of rest and indulgence in too many snacks.

We should always keep in mind how to keep possible dental problems at bay especially during the festive season when many clinics may be closed.

A quick visit to the dentist ahead of time will make it possible for you to enjoy the festive season with peace of mind.

Prevention is always better than cure. As the New Year starts, include “regular visits to the dentist” as one of your new year resolutions.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Note: Our clinic will be closed from Jan 21 to Jan 24 for Chinese New Year Public Holiday. We will reopen on Jan 25 as per usual (9am – 5.30pm). For dental emergency, please contact the emergency contact number on your dentist’s card or call Mount Elizabeth Hospital A&E department at 6731 2218. For enquiries, you can contact us via our website at: www.specialistdentalgroup.com

Specialist Dental Group (SDG) has openings for outstanding clinicians with specialty training in the areas of orthodontics, endodontics and paedodontics to join our clinical team.

There will be opportunities to practice cutting-edge team-approach dentistry in a multi-disciplinary practice environment with close coordination with our medical specialist colleagues.

The ideal candidates would have the following background:

• Basic dental degree from the National University of Singapore or from an international dental school recognized by the Singapore Dental Council;
• Registered or eligible to register as a dental specialist in Singapore
• Clinically excellent and experienced in their specialty area of dentistry

Members of the SDG’s Clinical Team are active in teaching, speaking, writing in addition to spending time on patient care. Visit our website to view the profiles of our current dental team.

Specialist Dental Group is an award-winning multi-specialty practice. Founded by the late Dr Henry Lee in 1979, SDG currently has a team of 10 dentists trained in the specialty areas of prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, paedodontics and oral maxillofacial surgery.  We have three clinics located at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in the Orchard area.

SDG was recently a Winner of the Promising Brands category of the Singapore Prestige Brand Award 2011, and a two-time finalist for “Best Healthcare Experience” in the Singapore Experience Awards 2010 & 2011.

You can find out more about Specialist Dental Group on our website. If you think you would be a good fit with us, please complete the following form. You can also email your CV to careers@specialistdentalgroup.com

Have you ever listened to Kenny G’s saxophone music arrangement? His exceptional skills, from the way he blows the saxophone to the way he arranges the tune and tempo, have inspired many budding musicians. Did you know, however, that musical instruments may affect our teeth and jaw?

In a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, an orthodontist pointed out that the type of musical instruments that your children play will affect the children’s position of teeth or jaw. A 1994 report identified common dental issues experienced by musicians such as tooth mobility, TMJ, and head & neck lesions.

Most of the problems are experienced by musicians who play the saxophone or clarinet as they will put a lot of pressure on the lower lip and the teeth to support the weight of the saxophone/clarinet. Teeth misalignment may also be experienced if they play the instruments extensively. Brass instrument players such as trumpet, horns or trombone players will need to be careful as a prolonged period of using these instruments will cause teeth mobility or movement.

Dental problems can also arise from playing musical instruments which do not involve the mouth. String instruments such as the violin may affect the development of the jaw and the bite.  This is to the due to the pressure on the jaw when musicians hold the instrument between their shoulder and the jaw.

You can bring your children to the dentist or paedodontist to have a preliminary examination in order to avoid these dental problems before investing a lot of time and money in their music lessons. There are also some treatment options that you may consider if you are currently experiencing the problems mentioned above such as braces, Invisalign (clear aligners), or jaw joint treatment.

Prevention is always better than cure. A short chat with your dentist or specialist would get a musical career off to a good start with the bonus of an excellent set of teeth.