3D-printed implant brings woman relief after years of jaw pain

​Since her 40s, Mdm Kong Choy Foong, 71, had experienced intermittent jaw pain, worsening over time with sudden sharp episodes that disrupted eating and sleep. She was referred to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in 2020, and then to National University Centre for Oral Health (NUCOHS) where tests revealed a 2.5cm growth in her jaw. A surgery was performed to remove the growth in 2022, but Mdm Kong was subsequently diagnosed with pseudo-gout, a rare condition involving calcium crystal build-up in joints. When the growth returned within nine months of the surgery, A/Prof Asher Lim, Senior Consultant, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, NUCOHS, led a team to provide Mdm Kong with a longer-lasting solution by replacing her jaw joint with a customised 3D-printed implant. The procedure in May 2024 succeeded without complications, and Mdm Kong, who is now able to talk and eat normally, expressed trust in Prof Lim’s care.

• Shin Min Daily News, 3 November 2024, Page 6, 妇下颌可痛至夜里醒来 通过3D打印获新生 (Woman wakes up at night with jaw pain, gets new lease of life with 3D printing)

牙齿‘酸疼’ 吃不了冷食 (Inability to consume cold food due to aching teeth)

​A commentary by Dr Jacinta Lu, Head, Division of Periodontics, National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore explained the reasons behind sensitive teeth, the range of treatment options and how one can take preventive care through diet and regular visits to the dentist.

Bank Tisu Gigi gigih dalami penyelidikan pergigian (Tooth Tissue Bank committed to dental research)

​Berita Harian carried a full-page feature on the National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS) Tooth Tissue Bank and its role in supporting dental research. Established in 2021 by NUCOHS and NUS Faculty of Dentistry, the facility is the first in Singapore that keeps a ready supply of teeth donated by patients after extraction to support dental research. A/Prof Vinicius Rosa from NUS Faculty of Dentistry shared on the wide range of research that the Bank supports and how it is critical in shaping the future of oral healthcare.

探索牙医世界 守护儿童口腔 (Safeguarding children’s oral health through an exploration of the world of dentistry)

National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore (NUCOHS) has launched a new paediatric visit programme by welcoming about 60 preschoolers and their parents from The Schoolhouse Dover to its premises on 16 September 2024 for a morning of fun and games to educate the young on oral hygiene habits and nurture a positive association with dental visits. Dr Sim Chien Joo, Head of the Division of Paediatric Dentistry at NUCOHS, highlighted that they have not seen a decrease in the number of children requiring complex dental procedures in recent years and explained why the health of a child’s milk teeth was critical in setting a strong foundation for healthy adult teeth. 

Mrs Lily Chew, whose children had undergone treatments at NUCOHS to address multiple caries, shared how she is now more mindful of her children’s diet and oral care regime. Another parent, Ms Loh Yue Rong, who had accompanied her daughter for the visit, expressed appreciation for the programme and shared how she had learnt more about taking care of her child’s oral health.  

• Shin Min Daily News, 16 September 2024, 每年约170 儿童 全身麻醉治蛀牙, About 170 children treated for tooth caries under general anaesthesia each year
  

• 8world,  16 September 2024, 国大口腔医学中心安排幼儿参观 提高口腔健康意识, NUCOHS raises oral health awareness through visit programme 
  

• Mediacorp Vasantham news, 16 September 2024, பிள்ளைகள் பல் மருத்துவரிடம் செல்வதைச் சுகமான அனுபவமாக மாற்ற முனையும் திட்டம், Programme launched to normalise visits to the dentist for children 
  

阿尔茨海默病 谁是高风险群? (Who are at high risk of Alzheimer’s disease?)

​Dr Tay Chong Meng and Dr Gabriel Lee, both from the Division of Advanced General Dental Practice, National University Centre of Oral Health, Singapore, noted that Alzheimer's disease affects a person’s memory, behaviour and language skills, which could complicate their adherence to a proper oral hygiene routine. They also shared dental care tips targeted at caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients to help the latter continue to maintain good oral health.

National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore launches preschool programme

​National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS) launched a programme partnering preschools to organise quarterly visits, aimed at helping young children feel comfortable with dental care. During the visits, preschoolers learn about dental health through storytelling, games and hands-on experiences with dental tools. Parents receive advice on maintaining their children’s oral health from NUCOHS clinicians. Dr Sim Chien Joo, Head of the Division of Paediatric Dentistry at NUCOHS, emphasised the importance of early prevention and holistic education involving parents, caregivers and educators to ensure lifelong healthy teeth for children.

植牙手术 (Tooth implant procedure)

​In a commentary, Dr Lum Jing Li, Head, Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore, discussed the increasing popularity of dental implants as a solution for tooth loss, especially among today’s ageing population. He advised patients to undergo a thorough health assessment and discuss options with their dentist before deciding to go ahead with the surgery, given that not everyone is suitable to undergo the procedure.

牙周炎需更复杂治疗 (More complex treatment required to treat gum disease)

​Dr Jacinta Lu, Head, Division of Periodontics at National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore, underscored the importance of treating gingivitis as early as possible, to avoid its progression to periodontitis. To address the latter, patients will require deep cleaning under local anaesthesia. If the disease is more advanced, gum surgery might be required. Dr Lu added that conditions can generally be managed with specialist treatments, ongoing oral care and regular dental visits.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online, 9 August 2024, 牙周炎需更复杂治疗 (More complex treatment required to treat gum disease)
  

糖尿病患者易患牙周病 (Diabetic patients are more susceptible to periodontal disease)

​Dr Jacinta Lu, Head, Division of Periodontics at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore, shared that periodontal disease is now recognised as the sixth major complication of diabetes. She also pointed out emerging evidence that suggested a correlation between periodontal disease and a range of other serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, autoimmune diseases, as well as cognitive decline. She advised patients suffering from these conditions to be particularly vigilant about their gum health.

牙周病常见症状 (Common symptoms of gum disease)

​Dr Jacinta Lu, Head, Division of Periodontics at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore, shared common indicators of gum disease, and how it can result in more serious oral health issues if the condition is left untreated.

刷牙见血 小心患上牙龈炎 (Bleeding while brushing teeth; beware of gingivitis)

​Dr Jacinta Lu, Head, Division of Periodontics at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS) highlighted the often-overlooked nature of periodontal disease, noting that early-stage gingivitis usually goes unnoticed due to its painless symptoms. She underscored the importance of regular dental checks to identify and address any potential symptoms early, thereby preventing the progression or exacerbation of gum disease.

Singapore’s first tooth tissue bank

​In a ‘live’ interview on Channel NewsAsia 938 radio, A/Prof Vinicius Rosa from NUS Faculty of Dentistry shared more about the National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS) Tooth Tissue Bank, and how anonymised donation of extracted teeth is done at NUCOHS. He elaborated on the kind of research the teeth can be used for and how the bank will help in enhancing future oral care in Singapore.

助儿童预防蛀牙 用含氟牙膏刷牙 (Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay in children)

​Dr Sim Chien Joo, Head, Division of Paediatric Dentistry at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS), emphasised the importance of early dental care in preventing early childhood caries. She advised parents to schedule their child's first dental visit when the first tooth emerges or by the age of one. To maintain proper oral hygiene, she recommended brushing twice daily with toothpaste containing adequate amount of fluoride, as well as choosing healthier snack like cheese or fruit, and avoiding sweet drinks and sticky candies.

• Lianhe Zaobao Online,4 August 2024, 助儿童预防蛀牙 用含氟牙膏刷牙 (Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps prevent tooth decay in children)
  

Fangs for donating

​The Straits Times carried a two-page feature on the National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore (NUCOHS), Tooth Tissue Bank and its role in supporting dental research. Established in 2021 by NUCOHS and NUS Faculty of Dentistry, the facility is the first in Singapore that keeps a ready supply of teeth donated by patients after extraction, to support dental research in areas such as using stem cells to regenerate nerves and blood vessels in teeth. A/Prof Vinicius Rosa from NUS Faculty of Dentistry hopes that the bank will expand its collection to include tissues from biopsies, stem cells and saliva in five to 10 years’ time. He said that as dental science continues to evolve, the bank will remain pivotal in shaping the future of oral healthcare.

NUCOHS sets up new GDP network as it marks fifth anniversary

National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS) announced the General Dental Practitioner Network (NUCOHS – GDP Network) at its 5th anniversary gala dinner on 5 July 2024. Launched in January 2024 and with 37 GDPs already on board, the Network allows NUCOHS patients whose conditions have stabilised to transit seamlessly to a participating GDP located near their homes.

On the technology front, NUCOHS has embarked on a long-term plan to push new frontiers in dental care using AI and digital innovation. This includes the creation of a dental imaging repository that will aid in the advancement of treatment plans and the generation of data for ongoing and further research. 

NUCOHS will also be organising visits by preschool children in the third quarter of 2024, to familiarise them with dental visits and strengthen preventive oral care among the young population.

• Healthcare Asia,8 July 2024,  NUCOHS reveals innovation plans for dental care through digital technology
  

• Singapore Business Review, 8 July 2024, NUCOHS reveals innovation plans for dental care through digital technology