Dentist In Japan

Last weekend I went to the dentist.

Gp. Dentist Lobby, Koenji, Tokyo. August 2nd, 2008

In Japan, most people from my experience do not care about “preventative dentistry” which suggests cleaning every 6 months on a regular basis.

I find that when people have problems (pain, etc) THEN they go to the dentist.  Most people I have asked in Japan haven’t been to the dentist in years.

Another interesting fact…

Sawajiri Erika 沢尻エリカ　mouth closed (no yaeba!)

Erika Sawajiri – mouth open (yaeba!)   沢尻エリカ

Japanese people have smaller jaw bones compared with North Americans, and thus when the molars come in (#8 tooth in dentist talk), it causes the front teeth to crowd up.

Many idols and celebs in Japan have jacked up teeth, but they are still loved (and cute).

Shizuka Umemoto, 梅本静香 yaeba!

八重歯　or Yaeba means “double tooth” (the crowding of the front teeth)  and is seemingly perceived as acceptable or cute here in Japan.
The very fact that Japanese characters exist for the “double tooth” means to me that its not uncommon, and perhaps not minority.

I did a quick google search and even found this blog (the blog title is Yaeba Superstar!) which is dedicated to cute celebs that have Yaeba.

Finally, here is a snap shot of some statistics found in the book in the dentists lobby.

Dentist Chart. 1415 people for each dentist in Japan. 643 people per dentist in USA.

Japan still kicks ass for lifespan. Male average 79 years. Female is 86 years old. Even with soem bad teeth.

note:  this is just info, I dont wanna take hits at the Japanese saying “they all have bad teeth”.  food for thought.

Peace.

Oh and its hotter than a mofo in tokyo today. Like 35 or something.

~ by gabuchan on August 7, 2008.