International Dental Centre

17/09/2026

FAQ Series 2:
Can I just leave the hole in my tooth alone?

Answer: It'll get deeper over time, and cause more problems. Don't wait till then!

30/07/2026

FAQ: Why do my gums bleed?
Answer: Plaque (bacteria)!

International Dental Centre Singapore
Dr Felicia Sundram
Dr Kavvner Low

23/07/2026

Hi all, we’ll be doing a series based on your Frequently asked questions (FAQs)!

The first one will be on “ Why do my gums bleed”. Stay tuned.

17/07/2026

The ache in your tooth that gets worse when you lie down at night shouldn’t be ignored.
-Dr Felicia Sundram

Why do toothaches often feel worse at night?

A tooth that barely hurts during the day can become intensely painful after lying down to sleep. This isn't just imagination—there is a biological explanation.

When lying flat, blood flow to the head increases. If the dental pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels—is inflamed (a condition called pulpitis), the increased blood volume can raise pressure within this rigid, enclosed space. Because the pulp is surrounded by hard dentin and enamel, it has very little room to expand. Even a small increase in pressure can stimulate pain-sensitive nerves, making the toothache feel more intense.

Nighttime can also amplify tooth pain for other reasons. With fewer external distractions, the brain becomes more aware of pain signals. In addition, natural circadian changes in pain sensitivity and inflammatory responses may further increase discomfort in some people.

A toothache that worsens at night is often a sign of an underlying dental problem, such as deep tooth decay, pulpitis, a dental abscess, a cracked tooth, or advanced gum disease. Pain relievers may temporarily reduce discomfort, but they do not treat the underlying cause.

A worsening nighttime toothache should never be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance of relieving pain, preventing infection, and preserving the natural tooth.

• Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice.

07/07/2026

Tooth decay & bottle feeding your child

A bedtime bottle may seem comforting, but it can quietly damage a child's teeth while they sleep.

A recent Australian cohort study found that children who were bottle-fed to sleep beyond 12 months had a higher risk of developing early childhood tooth decay. Researchers also observed a higher likelihood of overweight among children who continued this bedtime feeding habit.

During sleep, saliva production naturally decreases, reducing the mouth's ability to wash away sugars and neutralize acids. When a bottle remains in the mouth as a child falls asleep, bacteria can feed on these sugars for prolonged periods, leading to repeated acid attacks on developing teeth.

This doesn't mean parents should stop meeting their child's nutritional needs. Instead, experts encourage gradually transitioning away from bedtime bottles after infancy, offering water instead of milk or sweetened drinks at bedtime when appropriate, and cleaning the child's teeth before sleep as soon as the first tooth erupts. Small changes in bedtime routines can help protect both oral and overall health during early childhood.

📄Reference study: Cheng H, John J, Scott J, et al. Bottle feeding to sleep beyond 12 months is associated with higher risk of tooth decay and overweight in Australian children: Findings from the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids cohort study. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 2025;49(2):100224.

05/06/2026

The spit-don’t rinse step at the end of tooth brushing is a proven way to help protect your teeth against tooth decay.

- Dr Felicia Sundram

28/05/2026

Our systemic health is linked to our oral health, and it is important to understand how this relationship is modulated by our oral microbiome.

-Dr Felicia Sundram

16/05/2026

Should you switch to an electric toothbrush?

Gum hygiene can affect your overall health. Our expert tells us the most important things to know about oral health and how to choose the best brush for you.

06/05/2026

How you clean in between your teeth matters and does make a difference to your oral health

Dr Felicia Sundram
International Dental Centre Singapore

Ever wondered what is the proper way to use dental floss and how to floss your teeth? As part of our Oral Health Matters Campaign, tune in to this clip to find out what you need to know about flossing to improve your oral health.

20/03/2026

A healthy mouth doesn’t happen by chance-give it the care it deserves!

Dr Felicia Sundram
International Dental Centre Singapore