Author: SSIVIX Lab

Preparing for your Wisdom Teeth Surgery : What to do before

Preparing for your wisdom teeth surgery is a great idea for a peace of mind afterwards. Here are some tips that should be on your checklist prior to the surgery.

1.Have a good meal before the surgery. You may want to eat meat because you will be on soft food diet after the surgery. Have a balance meal that is protein rich.

2. Remember to floss and brush your teeth well after meal and before the surgery. This is to ensure that mouth and teeth is clean so that the Dentist can start the surgery and to reduce the risk of wound infection.

3. Arrange a transportation or bring someone with you to the surgery. This is to ensure your own well-beingbecause you may feel disoriented due to anesthesia from the surgery

4.Prepare a soft meal for after the surgery. This means food that require less chewing. Your gums will have holes and it will be painful to have food stuck in there whilst its healing.

Get organised ! Do your grocery shopping for your soft meal diet for the next 10- 15 days. Be ready for your surgery because you need to relax to heal faster.

All about Gingivitis : Symptoms & Prevention

Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease also known as periodontal disease  that causes irritation and inflammation on the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. At times, your swollen gums can also bleed causing discomfort and pain. 

Here are some symptoms and signs of Gingivitis 

• Swollen/Tender gums
• Dusky red or dark red gums
• Bleed easily when brush/floss
• Bad breath
• Receding gums

The good news is that, prevention of Gingivitis is simply good oral hygiene.

1. Floss regularly (after meals and before brushing your teeth)
2. Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to prevent cavities
3. Use an anti-septic mouthwash after brushing your teeth for extra care 
4. Visit the Dentist every 4-6months for check up

All about Toothpaste : Different types & purpose

There are rows and rows of different toothpastes from different brands. The question is, which one will you choose and what’s the difference between all those different kinds of toothpastes? Here’s a simple breakdown of the main types of toothpaste in the market

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOOTHPASTE

1. Children’s Toothpaste – There are fewer fluoride and abrasives.
2. Whitening Toothpaste – Contains a higher lever of abrasives.Excessive use may wear down the enamel layer and cause sensitivity
3. Smoker’s Toothpaste – May contain sodium pyrophosphate which helps to keep tartar from forming on teeth
4. Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste – Contains potassium nitrate which helps to reduce the pain
5. Herbal Natural Toothpaste – May not contain any fluoride which is a key ingredient recommended by Dentists to strengthens teeth & protects enamel

At the end of the day, you choose a toothpaste that you like the best just as long as they contain Fluoride. Some people may choose a toothpaste because of the taste or even an ingredient like Charcoal. Let us know in the comments below which is your go-to toothpaste!

What to do when you have a Toothache : Natural Remedies

There are certain natural remedies that can reduce the pain of a toothache. However, a visit to the Dentist is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED when you have a toothache that persist more than a day.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT A DENTIST IMMEDIATELY ?
– To get it checked thoroughly for proper treatment and preventative care

WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT A DENTIST ?
– You should visit the Dentist immediately if you experience pain in your teeth or gums as delaying it might worsen the condition.
– For good dental care practise, visit the Dentist for checkup ever 4-6 months

Natural Remedies : The DOs
– Mix 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Gargle it for 30 seconds every morning and evening. Please do not swallow. This will help reduce pain and swelling
– Cold compression to the swelling area including cheeks. This is a short term measurement but can help greatly in reducing swelling
– Crush garlic and put the paste on infected gum or tooth. You may also choose to chew the garlic. This is a folk’s remedy because garlic can help kill the bacteria . However, this does not guarantee 100% recovery and your should still see Dentist

Signs and Symptoms of Toothache : What to look out for

Toothache can be extremely excruciating and uncomfortable. So how do we tell the difference from tooth sensitivity?

First of all, if tooth sensitivity is left untreated can turn into a toothache. But the root of the problem is the same, cavities or in some cases, gum problems.

Toothache can be felt in many ways. It is not always consistent. It can happen when you are eating/drinking or even when you’re lying down. The pain can also range from mild to severe.

NOTE : Visit your Dentist immediately if you feel pain in your teeth. If you prolonged this longer than 2 days , it may lead to something more severe.

Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for :

• Swollen, red gums surrounding the infected teeth. Your gums may also be bleeding .
• It is painful when chewing, eating, drinking and even lying down at night.
• There’s a bad taste in your mouth that you can’t get rid off.
• You may also have fever and headache due to a toothache

The good news is, toothache can be prevented easily. Simply reduce your sugar intake, brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit the Dentist every 4-6 months.

Braces Diet Plan : List of braces-friendly food

We know that the first few weeks of braces can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. But remember, be patient because wearing braces is a good investment for your oral health and self confidence in the future.

Eating can be tricky and it is not uncommon that many people lose weight during their first few months of wearing braces. We are here to help you plan your new diet to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need!

Remember, wearing braces does not mean you have to live on porridge and puree!

Here are some food that are braces- friendly aka easy to chew!

• Dairy products like soft cheese, milk based products like yoghurt and pudding , eggs.
• Bread. A easy and favourite food choice for people with braces. It is quick and simple.
• Soft Carbs. Yes, we know that sometimes it is even hard to chew rice with your braces. So most of the time, you serve it as porridge. You can also try pasta as it is softer. Mashed potato and mashed pumpkin are also tastier!
• Seafood is a great source of protein and is easier to chew compared to other meats like chicken or beef.
• Vegetables is where you get your fibres and vitamins. You have to include them in your diet as often as possible. You can consume them boiled/steamed so that it will be easier for the teeth . Choose something like boiled carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, cauliflower , broccoli.
• Fruit is an important part of a healthy diet because it is rich with vitamins and fibre! It can be challenging when you have braces so choose softer ones like bananas, mangoes, watermelon, grapes, all sorts of berries! TIP : mix them with your favourite dessert like ice cream or frozen yoghurt !

Remember, it is important to eat well even if you have braces on!

Braces Style : Looking good & confident , Colour guides

We know how daunting and embarrassing it can be when you first got your braces. It takes time to love your braces and get used to the new look. Don’t let this temporary issue affect your confidence!

Here are some useful tips on how to feel and look good with your braces!

1. Always bring along your chapstick or lip balm. Because using braces might cause your lips to dry or bruised, ensure to moisture your lips at all times. TIP: Use a tinted lip balm to add some colour to your lips
2. Coat your mouth area with Vaseline every night before you sleep. Your lips and the skin surrounding it will thank you the next morning
3. Use a good face moisturiser every day

I think we can all agree that the most exciting part about braces is choosing the colour of your braces each time you get it tighten! Here are some tips to inspire you

Mix and match colours! Use the color wheel to help you with your decision!
If you wish to mix the colours, the easiest way is to mix the colour of the opposite side ( primary with secondary )

Bronchitis symptoms & treatments : what is it?

What is Bronchitis ?
It can affect both adults and children. The lining of the main airways in the lungs becomes inflamed and swollen which restricts the air supply to the lungs making it difficult to breathe.

Types of Bronchitis

• Acute bronchitis:  caused by an infection or exposure to chemicals (rare). Severe cases of acute bronchitis may progress to pneumonia. Usually last for 5 – 10 days

.• Chronic bronchitis: a more serious condition that develops over time. It is characterised by recurrent episodes of bronchitis that lasts for several months or years. In chronic bronchitis, the airways in the lungs become swollen and produce more mucus. Increase blockage in airways that cause difficulty in breathing. May last longer than 14 days

Signs & Symptoms of Bronchitis

-Sore throat
-Runny nose
-Fever
-Fatigue / Tired
-Chills, Body Aches
-Vomiting
-Diarrhoea

What to do if you have Bronchitis ? NATURAL REMEDIES

• Hydrate and Drink more fluid. At least 2 litres a days
• Cloves, Ginger are great for Bronchitis. Sliced and chopped some and boiled in water. Drink the essence .
• Honey is also great for bronchitis. Either have a tablespoon every morning and evening or dilute it with warm water and drink
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system

Breast Cancer : Symptoms and Signs. Lets bust the myth!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Knowing it exists is not enough. Breast cancer is a leading common cancer among women in Singapore . 1 in 11 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime and 1850 are diagnosed each year. We must take precautions like going for a mammogram if you are aged 40 years and above.

• 

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Here are some signs that you can look out . However, it is important to consult a Doctor for thorough examination and a mammogram.
1. Changes in skin texture
2.Swelling in armpit or near collarbone
3. You might feel a lump(s)
4. Constant, unusual pain in breast or armpit
5. Unusual nipple discharge
6. Sudden change in size or shape
7. Nipple inversion or change in nipple direction
8. Red or scaly rash on the skin or around the nipple area
9. Increase in size or shape of breast
10. Changes in appearance of one or both nipples
11. Irritated or itchy nipples

Busting the myths

Myth : I am young. Breast cancer only affects women above 45 years old
FACT: The youngest breast cancer case is Chrissy Turner who is 8 years old at that time

MYTH :I won’t get it because of my breast cancer-free family history
FACT: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in Singapore

Myth : A mamogram can cause cancer
FACT: Mammograms require very small doses of radiation, its like going for an x-ray

Myth : I have a lump, I have breast cancer
FACT:  Not all lumps are cancerous as it could be cysts. If you feel a lump, please consult a doctor for a thorough check up

For women who possess a CHAS cards, and are aged 50 to 69 years old, Singapore Cancer Society provides mammograms at no charge, to Singaporean women at the SCS Clinic @ Bishan. 

For women aged 40 to 69 years old and do not meet the criterias to screen at the SCS Clinic @ Bishan or under the SCS FIT 50 programme, they may consider screening under the Community Mammobus Programme or with the SCS $25 Funding Assistance.

*Mammogram information extracted from Singapore Cancer Society website

Oral hygiene for denture wearers : Steps to clean your Denture

Here are simple dental hygiene instructions to clean your Dentures so that it can last longer and fit better.

The 5 simple steps to practise good denture oral hygiene

1. BRUSHyour dentures first to remove food particles using soft-bristle toothbrushwith denture cleanser or mild dishwashing liquid
2. RINSE your dentures with warm water and NEVER with hot water
3. Clean your mouthusing a fluoride toothpaste before reinserting your dentures. Brush your natural teeth, tongue, cheeks to maintain good oral health.
4. Soak Dentures overnight with warm water. To keep them in shape as they need to be moist
5. Rinse the denture in running water before wearing them again (especially if you soak it ovenight in Denture Cleanser liquid