Small Steps That Protect My Future Self — A New Dental Clinic and My Shoulder Rehabilitation — July 18, 2026 (Saturday) Reiwa 8

Today, I looked back on my first visit to a dental clinic in Matsuyama after moving here, bringing a referral letter from my previous dentist.

When I lived in Shizuoka, I had been cared for by Yagi Dental Clinic for many years.

The dentist was my husband's doubles partner from his high school tennis days. He came from a family of dentists and was trusted by many people in the local community.

I had struggled with feelings of insecurity about my teeth since childhood.

My teeth were not well aligned. My front teeth stuck out, while the teeth behind them were positioned inward. One of my lower teeth also grew toward the inside.

When I was young, I had many cavities, and I felt embarrassed whenever people looked at my teeth.

When I moved to Kobe, a dentist once told me, "Your tooth alignment is like a disease."

Perhaps those words were not meant to hurt me. But at that time, they deeply affected me.

That is why, even after I married and moved to Shizuoka, I felt embarrassed about having my husband's close friend, Dr. Yagi, examine my teeth.

At first, I went to a dentist I did not know.

However, when that dentist told me, "We should remove it," I started to think:

"Is that really the best choice?"
"Is there any way to save my own tooth?"

My desire to protect my teeth became stronger than my embarrassment.

So I decided to visit Dr. Yagi.

He carefully examined my teeth. The tooth that could not be saved had to be removed, but we then considered the next treatment option, and I chose to have an implant.

It took about six months. Just like building the foundation of a house, the base was carefully prepared, and then the artificial tooth was placed on top.

The cost was not small.

But my son told me:

"Mom, even if it costs more, you should choose an implant. It will make a difference in the future."

Those words also encouraged me to make my decision.

More than ten years have passed since then.

Even today, my implant has caused me no problems at all.

And what protected my teeth afterward was not only the treatment itself.

It was regular dental checkups.

At first, I went every six months. As I got older and my gums began to recede, the visits became every three to four months.

The dental hygienists checked the condition of my teeth, measured my periodontal pockets, and taught me how to brush properly.

They showed me how to use my electric toothbrush, how to use dental floss, and how to choose the right size of interdental brushes.

This time, at Miyaji Dental Clinic in Matsuyama, I was introduced to something new: a one-tuft toothbrush.

Because of my tooth alignment, especially the teeth that are positioned inward, some areas are difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush.

The one-tuft brush allows me to clean those areas with its small bundle of bristles.

When I actually started using it, it felt surprisingly comfortable.

I realized, "So this is the area I had not been cleaning well enough."

The dental hygienist also told me, "Please brush while looking in the mirror."

I had avoided looking because I disliked getting toothpaste splattered on the mirror.

But if I do not look, I cannot know whether the brush is actually reaching the right places.

I realized that looking carefully at my own teeth is also an important part of protecting them.

My current lifestyle has also become better for my dental health.

Since moving into Eden, I have started eating a good breakfast, and I snack less often.

I no longer eat sweets little by little throughout the day.

I brush my teeth after eating.

I believe these habits built over many years are protecting my teeth today.

And there is one more thing.

I feel my shoulder rehabilitation after my fracture is similar.

My pain and inconvenience began suddenly after a fall.

But yesterday and today, I gradually started to understand how I should move and exercise my shoulder.

Without rushing. Without forcing myself. A little bit every day.

Neither teeth nor the body recover in a single day.

But small steps can help my future self.

It is already time to sleep today.

Tomorrow, I will continue doing what I can, one small step at a time.

#DentalHealth
#DentalImplant
#PreventiveDentistry
#OneTuftBrush
#MatsuyamaEdenNoSono
#ShoulderRehabilitation
#SmallSteps
#ChallengesAt68