Sunstar's Engagement at the Yokohama Disaster Fair 2025
In a commendable initiative, Sunstar Group and Mellow teamed up to present the 'Moshi-Mo Café' at the Yokohama Disaster Fair 2025. Held on September 6th and 7th, this event aimed to educate participants on disaster preparedness related to meals and oral care.
The 'Moshi-Mo Café' served warm meals similar to what individuals might encounter in a disaster scenario, showcasing a unique oral care solution through the use of liquid toothpaste that requires no water. Through this experience, attendees learned that maintaining oral hygiene can be vital during emergencies.
Approximately 700 people participated in the café, expressing their appreciation for the informative setup. Comments highlighting the ease of stocking liquid toothpaste and the newfound knowledge on oral care in emergencies reflected the event's success in raising awareness.
This collaboration between Sunstar and Mellow is grounded in the concept of phase-free disaster preparedness, emphasizing how everyday habits can significantly aid during crisis situations. Sunstar is committed to spreading awareness about the importance of oral hygiene, particularly during circumstances such as water shortages or evacuation.
The Importance of Oral Care in Emergencies
Over the past years, natural disasters like the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and heavy rains resulting from linear precipitation zones have heightened awareness around disaster preparedness. During emergencies, maintaining oral hygiene can be challenging, as factors such as limited access to clean water and evacuation procedures dampen our ability to care for our mouths, leading to potential health risks from bacteria.
By incorporating liquid toothpaste into everyday routines, individuals can better prepare for emergencies, ensuring cleaner oral health even when water is scarce. Sunstar has championed the message 'Oral Care and Disaster Preparedness' since 2011, continuously reinforcing the link between personal health and disaster readiness through various outreach activities.
Key Experiences at the 'Moshi-Mo Café'
At the café, attendees were not only introduced to the significance of oral care during disasters, but they also received practical guidance. Sunstar provided insights into methods of oral care during emergencies, showcasing long-term stored dental hygiene products, such as the five-year shelf life Gum and Dental Rinse and the first Japanese disaster food certified vegetable drink, Kenko Dojo Green and Yellow Vegetables.
A special segment featured Yoko Ichikawa, a dental hygienist and disaster preparedness expert from the Sunstar Foundation, during the 'Disaster Talk 2025' broadcast. She discussed the cruciality of maintaining oral hygiene when water is a precious resource during disasters.
Expert Tips for Oral Care During Emergencies
Understanding what to do in situations where water and toothbrushes might not be available is crucial:
- - If you have no water for rinsing: Use a handkerchief or tissue on your finger to wipe your teeth and remove debris.
- - Stimulating Saliva Production: Massaging the area below your ears can encourage saliva flow, helping maintain oral cleanliness.
- - If water is available: Rinse your toothbrush, use it lightly in your mouth, and repeat along the way, using tissue to clean off excess dirt when necessary.
- - In case of liquid toothpaste availability: It can replace water, making oral care more straightforward and effective without rinsing.
Future Plans and Continuing Efforts
The 'Moshi-Mo Café' is scheduled for another appearance at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of khb in Sendai on September 27th and 28th, bringing this vital message of prepared oral care directly to the people.
Sunstar's commitment to disaster preparedness stems from the experiences of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, pushing forward a significant advocacy for health through oral care. The organization continually endeavors to provide disaster-related information and support through various mediums to elevate awareness and preparedness in society.
For more information on oral care in emergencies and additional resources, visit Sunstar's dedicated website for disaster preparedness:
Oral Care in Disaster. With this initiative, Sunstar reinforces a vital message: being prepared can keep us healthy, no matter the circumstances.