Good Teeth Day

What Is Good Teeth Day?

April 18 is "Yoi Ha no Hi," or Good Teeth Day, in Japan. It was established by the Japan Dental Association, and its name comes from a Japanese wordplay in which 4 (yo), 1 (i), and 8 (ha) read as "yoi ha," meaning "good teeth." The Japan Dental Association treats this day as one of its key days for promoting dental health.

The 8020 Campaign and Dental Health Days

Besides Good Teeth Day, the Japan Dental Association promotes dental health throughout the year.

• The 8020 Campaign: This campaign encourages people to "keep at least 20 of your own teeth at age 80." It has been promoted since 1989 by the then Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Japan Dental Association.
• Why 20 teeth: It is said that with 20 or more teeth, people can be mostly satisfied with their diet.
• A 1989 government report: A 1989 interim report by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's study group on adult dental health suggested that keeping 20 teeth at age 80, the average life expectancy, would be an appropriate goal.
• Other awareness days: The Japan Dental Association also runs awareness activities on "Ii Ha no Hi" on November 8 (another tooth-themed day) and during Dental and Oral Health Week.

Healthy Teeth at Every Stage of Life

The Japan Dental Association says that to keep enjoying a full and happy diet, it is important to maintain healthy teeth at every stage of life, from birth to the end of life, including during pregnancy. The 8020 Campaign carries the wish that people can "enjoy eating with their own teeth throughout their lives."

Tips for Marking This Day

• If it has been a while, book a dental checkup
• Check whether your toothbrush bristles are splayed and replace it if needed
• Talk about the 8020 Campaign with your family and review your brushing habits
• If you don't have a regular dentist, look for a clinic that is easy to visit

Enjoying Food with Your Own Teeth Until 80

Good Teeth Day on April 18 is an easy-to-remember dental health day based on wordplay. The busy start of the new fiscal year is a good time to revisit dental care and checkups that are easy to put off. Why not start taking care of your teeth today so you can keep enjoying your meals for years to come?