Do you still think, “You only go to the dentist when your teeth hurt”? If so, it’s time to change that belief. Preventive dentistry isn’t a trend — it’s a habit that directly affects your future enjoyment of food and your overall health. In this article, the director of Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi explains simply why you should visit the dentist for prevention, what preventive care you can receive at a dental clinic, and what makes Swedish-style preventive dentistry superior. I studied preventive dentistry in Sweden and strongly feel Japan needs higher awareness about prevention. At our clinic we adopt Sweden’s high standards and offer customized preventive programs to support lifelong oral health.

Which are you? A quick self-check

Which of these sounds like you?

1. I go to the dentist only when it hurts.
2. I go regularly to prevent cavities and gum disease.

More people now choose option 2, but many still do not keep regular appointments.

Why waiting until it hurts can be too late — the importance of prevention

If you only visit when pain appears, significant damage to teeth or periodontal tissues may already have occurred. Daily brushing is essential, but it can miss stubborn deposits and early abnormalities. Even without pain, regular checkups let us monitor your condition and provide necessary care (professional cleaning and lifestyle guidance).

Three key benefits of regular checkups

• Early detection and early treatment Regular exams let us catch early cavities, gum disease, and bite problems. Early treatment reduces pain and lowers treatment costs.
• Arresting progression (professional cleaning) Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that home care cannot, slowing the progression of cavities and periodontal disease.
• Higher chance of keeping natural teeth The main causes of tooth loss are gum disease and cavities. Regular checks detect problems early so you can keep your natural teeth longer.

What Swedish-style preventive dentistry aims for

In dental-advanced countries such as Sweden and the United States, regular checkups are routine. In Sweden, many adults attend for prevention and incorporate oral disease prevention into daily life. At Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi, we use principles learned in Sweden to create personalized prevention plans combining regular professional care and patient self-care instruction.

Japan’s preventive awareness is changing

Thanks to movements like the “8020 Campaign” (20 teeth at age 80), launched in 1989, and overall rising health awareness, more people now get regular dental exams. A 2022 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare survey found about 58% of people had a dental checkup in the past year. The proportion of people retaining 20 or more teeth at age 80 has also risen substantially (1993: ~10% → 2022: 51.6%).

What you can do starting now — protect teeth with daily care and regular visits

• Brush daily and clean between teeth carefully.
• Visit the dentist regularly for exams and professional cleaning (frequency adjusted by symptoms and risk — roughly 3–4 times a year for some patients).

Continuing these habits helps you keep teeth that let you chew well and supports overall health. Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi supports lifelong oral health with Swedish-style, customized preventive programs. Protect your precious teeth—start with a regular checkup.

Thank you for reading.

Make an appointment for consultation today.

Tokyo International Dental Clinic Roppongi

Here is the MAP 

• Address: 5-13-25-2 Floor, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Phone: 03-5544-8544
• Closest Stations: Azabu Juban (Toei Oedo Line take exit7/Tokyo Metro Namboku Line exit 5a ), Roppongi (Hibiya Line exit 3)

We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!