Good Teeth Day (Ii Ha no Hi)
Wordplay AnniversariesLast updated:
November 8th Is "Good Teeth Day"! Its Origin and Deep Connection to the "8020 Campaign"
November 8th is "Good Teeth Day" (Ii Ha no Hi), a day for enjoying delicious food and living a healthy life for years to come. The day was established in 1993 by the Japan Dental Association. Its origin is simple and easy to remember: it comes from a wordplay reading of "11 (ii)" and "8 (ha)," together sounding like "ii ha," meaning "good teeth."
The central theme of this day is the "8020 Campaign," promoted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Japan Dental Association. The campaign's goal is to "keep 20 or more of your own teeth at age 80"—since having at least 20 teeth allows most people to chew and enjoy nearly any food.
November 8th is an opportunity to take a fresh look at the condition of your mouth and start valuing the teeth that will stay with you for life.
Why Healthy Teeth Are Connected to Whole-Body Health
Recent research has pointed to links between gum disease (periodontal disease) and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Brushing your teeth isn't just about preventing cavities—it also helps protect your overall health.
[In-Depth Comparison] Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual Brushing—Which Is Right for You?
"Good Teeth Day" is a great time to reconsider your daily oral care routine. One of the most common questions is: "Which is better, an electric toothbrush or manual brushing?"
Electric toothbrushes use high-speed vibration or rotation, removing plaque efficiently in a short amount of time. Manual brushing, on the other hand, allows for easy adjustment of pressure and is inexpensive and available everywhere.
Some high-end models even let you check missed spots through a smartphone app.
Oral Care Tool Comparison Table
| Comparison Point | Manual Brushing (regular toothbrush) | Electric Toothbrush (sonic/rotating) |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque removal | Depends on brushing technique | Relatively high (less dependent on technique) |
| Cost | Low (a few hundred yen each) | High (thousands to tens of thousands of yen for the device) |
| Convenience | Usable anywhere, no battery needed | Requires charging and replacement heads |
| Brushing time | Takes time if done carefully | Can be done relatively quickly |
| Best for | People with careful brushing habits | People who value efficiency or tend to brush imperfectly |
Oral Care Habits Dentists Recommend Adding to Your Routine
Dental experts say that brushing alone isn't enough. A toothbrush is said to remove only about 60% of the plaque between teeth, making the following "plus one" habits important.
- Dental floss / interdental brushes: A must-have item said to raise plaque removal between teeth to roughly 80-90% when combined with brushing. Y-shaped floss picks and soft picks are popular.
- Oral irrigators (water flossers): Use water pressure to flush away debris—ideal for those with braces or who find flossing difficult. The latest models are cordless and lightweight.
- Tongue cleaners: Remove the coating on the tongue that causes bad breath.
The Importance of Regular Checkups
Even with thorough self-care, tartar that you can't remove yourself can still build up. Getting a professional cleaning (PMTC) every three to six months helps lower your future risk of tooth loss.
In Summary: Make November 8th a Day to Give Your Future Self the Gift of "Healthy Teeth"
November 8th, "Good Teeth Day," is a day to prepare for a lifetime of delicious food and laughter.
- Origin: A wordplay reading of "11 (ii) 8 (ha)"—also the day the 8020 Campaign is promoted.
- Comparison: Choose the tools (electric vs. manual) that suit you to improve your care routine.
- Suggestion: Combine brushing with floss and regular checkups for total care.
Rather than "going to the dentist after it hurts," try shifting to "enjoying care so it never hurts." That shift in mindset can also help extend your years of healthy living. This November 8th, why not start by picking up a new toothbrush or booking a dental checkup?