We are announcing the results of the "#ForGoodTeeth" submission contest held by the Japan Dental Association and note!
The "#ForGoodTeeth" submission contest, which was held for about a month starting November 7, 2024, to talk about "dental health." During the period (11/7-12/7), we received 2,616 entries! Thank you for submitting such wonderful works from various perspectives.#ForGoodTeeth" submission contest. During the period (11/7-12/7), we received 2,616 entries! Thank you for submitting such wonderful works from various perspectives.
For a list of entries on note, please see here.
As a result of the selection process, the winners have been decided as follows.
Grand Prix (1 entry)
It wasn't just my teeth that were healed when I went to the dentist.
The complex about her teeth that she had held since adolescence melted away after meeting a 90-year-old grandmother while working as a nurse. The work that chronicles her decision to undergo dental treatment and her journey to regaining her smile was chosen as the Grand Prix winner. Meme, who now practices dental care with her husband, lives a healthy life. It is a work that gives us energy through the lively appearance of the grandmother who is proud of her teeth.
The judges also highly praised it, saying, "The level of perfection is high in that a story is created with teeth as the theme across generations," "I thought the episode featuring an elderly person was very good," and "The photos used are also persuasive. It's unique to a web article."
[Winner's Comment] I am surprised and very honored to be chosen for such a wonderful award. While writing this, I faced the trauma regarding my appearance and thought about how I want to live my life from now on. I feel that if I have the joy of being able to "eat delicious food happily" every day, I can spend my days with a smile. I will continue to practice dental care as part of taking care of myself, and as a nurse, I wish for the health of those who read this. I would be happy if this could encourage someone to take the first step of "maybe I should go to the dentist." Thank you very much for this opportunity.
Judges' Special Award (Yu Okada Award: 2 entries)
The inside of the mouth is a jewelry box
Mamera, who thoroughly practiced oral care for her own children due to her own bitter experiences. It is lovely that she describes the way her young child's transparent white teeth gradually grow and increase as "the brilliance of lining up jewels one by one in a jewelry box." You can feel a mother's warm love.
I also do finishing brushing for my child every night, but honestly, it's a hassle sometimes. However, in this work, it comes across very naturally that she was truly and purely enjoying finishing brushing her child's teeth, and as a result, I was happy to read that she received the 'Good Teeth Award.' I want to do finishing brushing right now.
The reason I go to the dentist is because I want to laugh with all my might.
Ayaka Kinoshita was not good with dentists because she was afraid of the "whirring" sound and pain when teeth were being drilled, but her impression changed completely after observing a treatment. Her fear subsided, and she started going to the dentist because she wanted to open her mouth wide and laugh. It is a heartwarming work where she is even lectured by her child.
The shift in perspective of overcoming a dentist she was originally not good with by feeling that "it's fun to watch people getting treated!" was unique and impressive. There are things that you are not good at, but are interesting when seen from the side, right? I also wanted to see someone else's treatment. It was also interesting that she went to the dentist after being persuaded by her child, as if the positions were reversed.
"Good Teeth Make Every Day Energetic" Project Award (2 entries)
Because I want to laugh and say "It's delicious" with you every day
RaM, who had been avoiding dental visits for reasons like the COVID-19 pandemic and moving, finally took action after a regular dental checkup at work and reaffirmed the importance of regular care. This is a personal story detailing their determination to increase their "Dental Asset Value" (viewing a healthy oral environment as an asset).
I think many people empathized with the way you gathered the courage to visit the dentist when it was hard to take that first step. By finding a good dentist, you were able to look back on your daily life and realize that continuing regular checkups is important to keep laughing together and saying "this is delicious." I believe this work effectively conveyed to a wide audience that Dental Asset Value leads to an improved quality of life.
The story of "Finishing touches by Mom" and the "Good Teeth Badge"
The "Good Teeth Badge" given at elementary school to children who had no cavities, thanks to the "finishing brush" their mothers gave them on their laps. Itabakushi's work, which chronicles memories of a mother whose catchphrase was "Take care of your teeth, if nothing else," was selected. The gentle gaze toward their daughter, whose teeth are just starting to grow in, is also wonderful.
I was impressed by how you depicted the importance of regular maintenance and professional care at a dental clinic through your own experiences with brushing and cavity treatment, creating a story that strongly resonates with others. The transition from "finishing touches by Mom" to "finishing touches by Dad" made me feel the love passed down through two generations. It is a work that stays in the heart.
Winners (5 works)
General comments from the judges
■Yu Okadasan
While the goal of "For Good Teeth" was the same, I was impressed by the variety of motivations that led there. When people just say "dental health is important" like a slogan, it's easy to think, "I know that in my head, but..." However, by vicariously experiencing the various daily lives related to teeth, I naturally started to think, "Maybe I should go to the dentist too," and I felt that this is exactly the meaning of writing these essays. If you are hesitant about going to the dentist, reading the works on this page should give you the push you need.
Reflecting on the contest
The following is a comment from the "Good Teeth for a Healthy Daily Life" project manager.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who submitted their work.
All the works were wonderful, and I believe that through the past experiences, thoughts, and future prospects expressed in them, the importance of "oral and dental health" will be conveyed to many readers. I believe this project has become an influential initiative in reducing "oral debt" and increasing "dental asset value," which the Japan Dental Association advocates through the "Good Teeth for a Healthy Daily Life Project."
...
Although the submission period has ended, I hope this will serve as an opportunity to think about "dental health" once again.
Please take a look at the other submitted works from the link below.