Why Japanese teeth are often wonky
Last December, MyVoice carried out a survey about brushing teeth. In Japan, dentist skill, and dental hygiene, or lack thereof, is often a subject of ridicule by the foreign contingent, but I seem to have been lucky and found a very good dentist. Actually, if it hadn’t been for my Japanese dentist and all the work he did (yes, I have British teeth) I don’t think I’d have had the confidence to meet my wife.
They sought the opinion 16,013 people via a web-based survey from the internet community “MyVoice”, of whom 42% were male, and found, amongst other things, that not many people at all attend regular check-ups.
Q1: Each day, how many times do you normally brush your teeth?
Don’t usually do so 1% Once 25% Twice 53% Thrice 19% Four or more times 2%
Q2: If you brush your teeth, which of the following do you use when brushing? (Multiple answer?)
Toothpaste 90% Non-electric toothbrush 77% Dental floss 19% Electric toothbrush 18% Mouthwash 13% Interdental brush 12% Other 1% No answer 0.1% Q3: Have you used an electric toothbrush?
Currently using one 18% Used to use one, but not now 43% Never used one 38% No answer 1% Interestingly, 4% more men currently used an electric brush and 8% more women had stopped using one.
Q4: Do you think you’ll want to use an electric toothbrush in the future?
Really want to use 19% Somewhat want to use 40% Don’t really want to use 30% Don’t want to use at all 10% No answer 1% Q5: Which of the following statements are accurate regarding your own teeth? (Multiple answer)
I brush my teeth just as a habit 45% I really want beautiful white teeth 42% I have tooth decay 29% I’m concerned about stains from tobacco, tea and coffee, etc 28% I try to eat gum and sweets with Xylitol in them 28% Sometimes a dentist removes plaque and tartar 24% I often brush, as my teeth are very important 21% I am troubled by gingivitis and other gum disease 21% I actively seek information for maintaining healthy teeth 15% I get regular check-ups at the dentist 14% I’ve worn a brace 7% I have almost no regard for the state of my own teeth 4% No answer 0%
That regular check-up figure of 14% compares with 61% in the UK, the usual butt of American jokes, and 66% in the USA.
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Thanks !! Celia
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