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SOFT FOOD RECIPES PERFECT FOR BRACES WEARERS If you have braces or aligners on, you may experience discomfort especially after the initial installation and each tightening. With this discomfort, you might be wondering what foods you can and cannot consume. In this article, we have summed up some soft food that will satisfy your appetite, plus a few easy recipes you can try out.  While this article focuses on soft foods for those who have braces or clear aligners on, the recommendations that follow are also suitable for those who are experiencing discomfort due to toothaches or are recovering from oral surgery. Keep reading to find out the soft food our professionals at Dental Essence have recommended!  Soft Food For Braces and Aligners Wearers The list is filled with endless deliciousness, but we have gathered the best of them and included them below. While these soft foods make delicious snacks on their own, some of them can also be added to your main courses, from breakfast to dinner, for an extra satisfying meal.   Cooked Oatmeal Eggs Pancakes French toast Yogurt Cheese Cooked Fruit Ripe fruit  Fruit Juice Bread Tuna Sandwich Peanut Butter Salads  Ground meat Tofu Boiled Tempeh Mashed potatoes Steamed Vegetables Couscous Rice Porridge Quinoa Macaroni and cheese Noodles Mushroom Soup Milkshakes Ice cream and sorbet Jelly  Soft Food Recipes For Braces Wearers People often assume that there is little room for creativity when it comes to soft food meals. We are here to prove them wrong and introduce these delicious soft food recipes to you. Tomato Gazpacho Recipe If you love tomatoes, you are definitely going to enjoy Tomato Gazpacho. It has been enjoyed by many as an appetizer or even as a snack. Besides that, Tomato Gazpacho has also been described as the perfect meal on a hot day.  Ingredients:  Tomatoes, garlic, cucumber, vinegar, onion, olive oil, soft bread (preferably soaked in water for an easier blend), and green pepper. How To Make:  Step 1 Simply place the tomatoes in a saucepan of boiling water for approximately 40 seconds, then remove them with a slotted spoon and allow to cool for a minute. You can easily peel the skin off when they have slightly cooled down.  Step 2 In a food processor or blender, purée the tomatoes and vegetables with the bread (soaked until soft and pressed dry) and spices until the desired texture is achieved. Season to taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Step 3 Transfer the gazpacho to a large glass container or mason jar and securely shut it. Refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight. Step 4 Top it off with a dash of olive oil and enjoy! Tomato Gazpacho can be eaten on its own or with a good salad.  Scrambled Eggs Recipe Eggs are one of the most versatile foods out there. On top of delivering high-quality protein and other nutrients, they are also delicious! From scrambled to boiled, there are many ways you can serve them. Here is a scrambled eggs recipe specially curated by Gordon Ramsay himself.  Ingredients:  6 cold eggs, 15g butter, Salt, pepper, Crème fraîche, and Chives.  How to make:  Step 1 Crack the six eggs into your pan, a non-stick pan with a deep depth  would be preferred.  Step 2 Add the butter into the pan Step 3 Put the pan on high heat and stir the mixture of eggs and butter without whisking it. Make sure to stir the bottom of the pan too, to ensure an even cook.  Step 4 Remove the pan from the heat after 30 seconds without pausing the stirring. Replace the heat after around 10 seconds. Repeat this action for another 3 minutes. Step 5 At minute 3, season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper. For an extra creamy texture add in some crème fraîche.  Step 6 Turn off the heat and get ready to enjoy some michelin star scrambled eggs. Scrambled Eggs Recipe In general, you should avoid hard foods when you are experiencing discomfort, sensitivity, or pain with braces on. Below are some of them that you need to avoid: Popcorn Nuts (ex: Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts) Hard candy  Chewing Gum  Ice Pretzels  Cookies Tough meat  Dental Essence Clinic Singapore Dental Essence offers a variety of oral services to ensure your dental health. We put your comfort first and promise to provide treatments in a precise and competent manner for your pleasant dental experience. Our professionals are equipped with years of experience and are ready to treat your every concern. Give us a call at +65 6733 9433 or WhatsApp at +65 8322398 or book an appointment via our website here. We look forward to seeing you! Book an Appointment Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastPhone *Email *Message *Website Book Now Dental Essence 127 Tanglin Road, Tudor Court, Singapore 247922 info-tanglin@dentalessence.com.sg +65 6733 9433 +65 8322 3982 127 Tanglin Road, Tudor Court, Singapore 247922 Open Hours Monday-Friday: 9am – 6pm Saturday: 9am – 5pm Sunday: Closed Public Holiday: Closed

THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, & TREATMENTS FOR SENSITIVE TEETH Have you ever felt pain or discomfort when you take a bite of your favourite ice cream or drink a delicious hot soup you’ve been craving? If your answer is yes, do not fret because you are not alone. While there may be several causes for this discomfort, one of them is sensitive teeth. Dentine hypersensitivity, often referred to as teeth sensitivity, refers to teeth that become painful or uncomfortable as a reaction to particular stimulus, such as hot or cold temperatures. It can be a short or long term issue that may affect one tooth, many teeth, or all of your teeth. While sensitive teeth might have a variety of causes, the majority of them can be readily remedied by altering your oral hygiene routine. Find out what are the causes, symptoms and treatments for sensitive teeth. The Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth Similar pain and discomfort can be experienced due to problems such as cavities in your teeth, thus it is important to book an appointment with a dental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Those who have dentine hypersensitivity will experience pain and discomfort that is often triggered by the following, with symptoms that range from mild to intense: Hot food and drinks Cold food and drinks Cold air Sweet food and drinks Acidic food and drinks Cold water especially during dental scaling and cleaning procedures Brushing or flossing Mouth rinses that are alcohol based The Causes of Sensitive Teeth Some may be more prone to sensitive teeth than most due to thin enamel. The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth that provides protection. This layer can be worn down from several actions, including: Brushing your teeth too hard Using a toothbrush with hard bristles Teeth Grinding Consuming too much acidic  food and drinks Besides these, sensitive teeth can also be caused by Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) that may cause the stomach and oesophagus to release acid, which over time will wear down your teeth. Acid can erode the enamel in conditions like gastroparesis and bulimia due to frequent vomiting. Sensitivity can also result from gum recession, which can expose the teeth and leave them unprotected. On the other hand, pain and discomfort can be brought on by the dentine of the tooth becoming exposed as a result of other factors too, including dental decay, fractured or chipped teeth, and worn-down fillings or crowns. Following dental procedures like fillings, crowns, or teeth whitening, your teeth may be temporarily sensitive. In this scenario, only the affected tooth or teeth will be sensitive. After a few days, any pain or discomfort ought to go away. The Treatments for Sensitive Teeth It is crucial for you to pay your dentist a visit if you’re  affected by sensitive teeth. Any underlying causes of your tooth pain can be found or ruled out by him or her. They might also provide you with some recommendations to treat your pain and discomfort. These recommendations include: Use Desensitising toothpaste. Desensitizing toothpaste can assist in reducing discomfort brought on by sensitive teeth after multiple uses. Numerous over-the-counter products are available. Your dentist might recommend the most suitable product that will effectively treat your condition. So, don’t hesitate to ask! Use Fluoride. To build tooth enamel and lessen discomfort, your dentist may administer fluoride to the sensitive parts of your teeth. Additionally, he or she could provide you with prescription fluoride for you to apply at home. Teeth Bonding or Desensitisation On occasion, sensitive root surfaces that have been exposed might be addressed by coating them in bonding resin. There may be a need for a local anaesthetic during this procedure. Gum Graft Surgery A little piece of gum tissue from another part of your mouth can be retrieved and placed onto the affected area if your tooth root has lost gum tissue. This treatment can lessen sensitivity and shield exposed roots. A Root Canal Your dentist may suggest a root canal to repair issues in the soft core or dental pulp of your teeth if you are experiencing extreme pain and other treatments are ineffective. Even though it may seem like a significant procedure, it is said to be the most effective method for reducing tooth sensitivity. Once you get any of these treatments, it is important that you take proper care of your teeth to prevent the problem from recurring. Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Be  gentle or use circular strokes instead of applying  hard pressure while brushing. Although it might feel as though you are doing a better job at cleaning with hard strokes, you may damage  your teeth and even your gums. If you are a fan of acidic foods and drinks, you may want to reduce your intake as they can wear down your tooth enamel over time. Some examples of these foods and drinks are processed meats, dairy products, high sodium condiments, citrus fruits, citrus juices, wine, and carbonated drinks. If you do feel like drinking acidic liquids, using a straw is recommended as it will minimise contact with your teeth. Dental Essence Clinic Do you need assistance with a dental health concern? At Dental Essence, we treat an array of dental problems and multiple services are provided by our professionals to help you improve and maintain your dental health. Your comfort is our top most priority as we strive to provide accurate and professional services for a satisfying dental care experience. Give us a call or click here to book a consultation with our trained and experienced dentists today! Book an Appointment Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastPhone *Email *Message *Comment Book Now Dental Essence 127 Tanglin Road, Tudor Court, Singapore 247922   info-tanglin@dentalessence.com.sg +65 6733 9433 +65 8322 3982 127 Tanglin Road, Tudor Court, Singapore 247922 Open Hours Monday-Friday: 9am – 6pm Saturday: 9am – 5pm Sunday: Closed Public Holiday: Closed

YELLOW TEETH? HERE’S HOW TO WHITEN YOUR TEETH IN SINGAPORE Are the yellowish stains on your teeth making you hide your smile? Have you been wishing you had the sparkling hollywood smile? This desire must have led you to this article where you’re about to find out how you can get rid of yellow teeth. Before we get into that, it is important that you know the reasons why these yellowish stains appear on your teeth. Unfortunately, many things in life can cause teeth discolouration, even seemingly harmless habits such as drinking coffee and tea. Some other habits include smoking cigarettes, drinking wine, and taking poor care of your oral hygiene. If you are guilty of any of these, you might be looking for a remedy. Scroll down to find out what our professionals at Dental Essence recommend. On a side note, if you’re looking to regain your confident smile, you may consider getting a teeth whitening treatment at Dental Essence Singapore. If you have tried tons of at-home whitening products but such efforts are still futile, undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure can transform the appearance of your teeth. Find out more about teeth whitening here. Seven Different Ways You Can Whiten Your Teeth Naturally This section of the article is written in reference to Healthline  Practice Oil Pulling Oil pulling is an ancient Indian folk treatment for improving oral hygiene and eliminating toxins from the body. The practice involves gargling oil in the mouth to eliminate germs that can cause plaque and teeth stains that can cause yellow teeth. Indians traditionally used sunflower or sesame oil, but any oil would suffice. One of the popular choices is coconut oil. This is because it has a pleasant taste and has a lot of health benefits. Additionally, studies have proven that coconut oil can effectively reduce bacteria in the mouth. Brush with Baking Soda Baking soda is a common component in commercial toothpaste because of its inherent whitening qualities. It is a gentle abrasive that may be used to remove surface stains from teeth. Baking soda also creates an alkaline environment in your mouth, which inhibits the growth of germs. This is not a quick fix, but you should see a difference within a few weeks. Although studies have yet to show the benefits of using baking soda directly on your teeth, there have been research findings which support the use of baking soda in toothpaste to get rid of yellow teeth and protect your teeth from decay. Charcoal Toothpaste Charcoal toothpaste and charcoal whitening products have been popular in the market for many years. This is because of its incredible whitening properties. Charcoal is also known as an effective ingredient to eliminate bad breath, lighten teeth stains, and prevent staining. However, it is advised that you thread carefully when using charcoal to brush your teeth as it can cause damage to your teeth if used in excess. Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that also destroys germs in the mouth. It is found in many commercial whitening products. Research by the American Journal of Dentistry discovered that using toothpaste with baking soda and one percent hydrogen peroxide resulted in substantially whiter teeth. However, strong concentrations or usage of hydrogen peroxide can cause gum inflammation and dental sensitivity, even in greatly diluted quantities. Therefore, before purchasing toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide, do check to ensure that it is at a concentration of three percent or less which is the typical concentration found in drugstores.| Another way that you can use hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth is by creating your own DIY toothpaste by combining it with baking soda. Mix two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and one teaspoon of baking soda to create your toothpaste and you’re all set! Eat fruits and vegetables Fruit and vegetable-rich diets can be beneficial to both your body and your teeth. Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables can help push plaque away as you eat, though they should not be considered as a substitute for brushing. Strawberry and pineapple are among the few fruits that have been touted as teeth whitening fruits. A research conducted by dental researchers in the University of Iowa found that strawberries on their own do not whiten teeth but do remove stains on the surface layer of the teeth. The malic acid present in strawberries, according to, will erase superficial debris from your teeth, while the baking soda will buff away stains. Brush and Floss Frequently We all brush our teeth at least twice a day. However, many of us neglect to floss and leave it up to our dentist during your scaling and polishing session. We are advised to visit the dentist every six months to maintain and care for the health of our teeth. On top of these biannual dentist visits, we should still take that extra step to maintain our oral health and adopt the habit of flossing at least once a day. This will help prevent the formation of plaque which can lead to the appearance of stains, tooth decay and more. Preventing Yellow Teeth While your teeth will naturally turn yellow as you grow older, there are several steps you can take to help avoid stains. Prevention Is Better Than Cure As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, if you have successfully removed the yellowish stains on your teeth and want to maintain your gleaming smile, here are some tips that will help you do so. Avoid Smoking If you do not have enough reasons to put the cigarette down for good, maybe this one will convince you. Not only does smoking have many bad effects on our health, but it is also one of the most significant reasons that cause teeth to turn yellowish with stains. Avoid Eating Staining Foods What are the foods that can cause yellowish teeth? Tomatoes in pasta sauce, dark berries and curry are among them. You may not be able to avoid them all together, but you can reduce