Promoting Oral Health for a Longer Healthy Life in Yamanashi

In 2023, a collaborative agreement was established between Yamanashi Prefecture, the Yamanashi Prefectural Dental Association, and Sunstar, a company focusing on health through oral hygiene. This partnership aims to promote health among the citizens of Yamanashi through various initiatives tailored to different life stages. One significant component of this collaboration is a series of public lectures centered on oral health and its connection to overall well-being. The third of such lectures took place on October 26, 2025, in Kofu City, Yamanashi.

The theme of the lecture was “The Importance of Eating with Your Mouth – How Many Teeth Do You Have?” This event particularly emphasized the significance of maintaining oral functions and dietary habits that contribute to the health and longevity of older adults, attracting around 150 participants eager to enhance their understanding of these critical topics.

Insights from Experts

The lecture was divided into two segments. In the first segment, Yoshiko Honkawa from the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology discussed “The Relationship between Nutrition, Oral Health, and Frailty Prevention.” Honkawa highlighted the necessity of tackling frailty through a combined approach of exercise, proper nutrition, and oral health. She noted that adequate protein intake, alongside a balanced diet, is crucial for maintaining health. Honkawa emphasized that to achieve this, individuals should strive to consume a variety of foods.

Moreover, she pointed out that robust oral functions, particularly chewing ability, play a vital role in consuming diverse foods. Recognizing the early signs of “oral frailty” and addressing them promptly was stressed as a critical measure for maintaining oral health.

In the second segment, dental hygienist Yukie Maruyama from the Yamanashi Prefectural Dental Association presented a skit illustrating family scenarios. The dramatization served as a reminder about the consequences of neglecting oral care, leading to deterioration in oral conditions and diminished eating capacity. They provided valuable insights into seeking dental care, practicing daily oral hygiene, and conducting oral exercises, offering participants ways to continue enjoying their meals throughout their lives.

Participants were also invited to explore Sunstar's booth set up at the venue, where they could engage with product displays and participate in the “Pataka Championship®,” a fun event aimed at assessing oral functions interactively. Observations revealed participants enjoying learning about their oral health in a playful manner.

Voices from Participants

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many remarked on the importance of integrating exercise, nutrition, and oral health for effective frailty prevention, stating that they found the session highly informative. Comments like, “The skit was entertaining and provided a fun way to learn” reflected the perceived value of the program. This event underscored the importance of routine oral care and balanced nutrition as key strategies to maintain health and prevent frailty, enabling individuals to retain their quality of life as they age.

Future Endeavors

Yamanashi Prefecture, in collaboration with the Yamanashi Prefectural Dental Association and Sunstar, is committed to continuing their efforts to promote oral health and extend the healthy lifespan of its residents. They plan to keep engaging in activities aimed at educating citizens about oral care and well-being. Additionally, the contents of the lectures are available for free viewing on the Yamanashi Prefectural Dental Association's website, allowing further reach and educational opportunities.

For more detailed information, individuals can visit: Yamanashi Prefectural Dental Association

Yamanashi Prefecture’s Initiatives

Since 2014, Yamanashi Prefecture has implemented the “Yamanashi Prefecture Ordinance on Promoting Oral Health.” This ordinance sets ambitious goals, including creating a society where all residents can lead fulfilling lives in body and spirit. Starting in 2024, the second “Yamanashi Prefecture Oral Health Promotion Plan” will commence, reinforcing efforts in oral care.

The Role of the Yamanashi Prefectural Dental Association

The Yamanashi Prefectural Dental Association encompasses dental practitioners across Yamanashi. It collaborates with both the national dental association and various local authorities to enhance dental healthcare services and promote oral health awareness. As society moves toward an aging population, the importance of sustaining health throughout one’s life becomes ever more pressing. The association actively disseminates information on the significance of oral health management and its implications for preventing frailty, emphasizing initiatives such as the 80-20 movement.

About Sunstar

Sunstar is dedicated to the philosophy of “100 years of mouth = 100 years of health,” asserting that oral health is integral to overall health. In 2021, they expanded their facilities in Minami-Alps City to enhance production capabilities in response to the rising demand for oral care products. Moreover, the company launched the “Oral Frailty Care Project” in 2019, aiming to strengthen public awareness about preventing oral frailty.

Moving forward, Sunstar aims to leverage its expertise to support the health initiatives of residents in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Contact Information

For inquiries about public lectures or interviews, please contact:

- Yamanashi Prefecture Health Promotion Division: TEL 055-223-1498 / FAX 055-223-1499
- Yamanashi Prefectural Dental Association: TEL 055-252-6481 / FAX 055-253-0854