#Japan #oral health #Lotte #Yamaguchi #Balloon Gum

Christmas Balloon Gum Training Event with Santa Claus

In an exciting initiative to enhance children's oral health, Lotte Co., Ltd. held a special event called "Balloon Gum Training Christmas Party" at Tokuyama Megumi Kindergarten in Yamaguchi Prefecture on December 22, 2025. This event was a collaboration between Lotte and the Yamaguchi Dental Association to promote oral function development among preschoolers. Approximately 50 children had the chance to meet a balloon gum expert dressed as Santa Claus, adding an extra layer of joy to the training session.

The Importance of Balloon Gum Training

The unique training method focuses on developing oral functions through the fun activity of balloon gum blowing. The initiative is part of Lotte's ongoing commitment to support children's health within the community. Children aged five from 54 kindergartens in Yamaguchi had been practicing over a two-month period leading up to the event. The session featured an entertaining demonstration on how to chew and blow bubbles with the gum, which resulted in a series of jubilant cheers from the youngsters as they practiced under the watchful eye of Santa.

Children enthusiastically attempted to blow the biggest bubbles possible, with some even taking the stage to showcase their skills. Many expressed their enjoyment, with comments like, "That was fun!" and "I want to blow bigger bubbles!" Principal Kana Murata shared, "This balloon gum training has become a much-anticipated time for the kids. With consistent practice, they've built confidence, managing to chew gum for five minutes or blow bubbles with ease!"

A Fun Way to Develop Oral Functions

The festival also served as a platform for incorporating training within the children's routine. Activities such as balloon gum blowing not only aim to enhance oral functions but also aim to combat issues related to children's oral health, like mouth breathing and weak jaw muscle development due to the increase in soft food consumption. Principal Murata noted that the training has been instrumental, especially when children discover their improved skills on the final day by chewing special check gum, eagerly awaiting their results.

In accordance with recent findings from the Yamaguchi Dental Association, there is a growing necessity to equip children with proper oral health practices. The balloon gum training method has shown promising results in enhancing oral functions, and children have reported an increase in their chewing strength, saliva production, and even an improved sense of taste through consistent practice.

Broader Benefits Beyond Oral Development

Research has indicated that chewing gum may positively affect not only oral development but also physical capabilities like speed in running and memory retention. For instance, a study revealed that middle school students who chewed gum while studying saw a significant boost in their math test scores compared to their peers who did not.

Moreover, continuous gum chewing has been associated with improving attention and concentration levels, demonstrating that there's much more than fun involved with this training method.

Conclusion: Continuing the Journey Towards Healthier Oral Functions

As Lotte Co., Ltd. and the Yamaguchi Dental Association work together to enhance the oral health of children, they emphasize the importance of combining oral care education with enjoyable practices like balloon gum training. It is hoped that these fun approaches will lead to a healthier future for Yamaguchi's children.

To learn more or to check if your child exhibits signs of oral function issues, visit the following resources: (Check Sheet Reference) https://www.jads.jp/assets/pdf/basic/r06/document-240402-2.pdf.

Video Demonstration

Check out the fun instructional video on how to blow up balloon gum: How to Blow Up Balloon Gum

For more information about Lotte's initiatives and programs, you can visit their official website: https://www.lotte.co.jp/.