Habituation of Parent-Child Tooth Brushing in Naha, Okinawa: Approx. 70% Achieve 5+ Times Weekly — WizWe, Naha City, and NTT West Confirm Effectiveness of Psychological Accompaniment Support
WizWe, Naha City, and NTT West announced results for their 'Dental Health Habituation Support Project' in Naha. Using psychological accompaniment via LINE, approx. 70% of participants established a habit of brushing their children's teeth 5+ times a week. The child dental visit rate also rose from 18% to 45%. The support proved especially effective for parents of 1- and 3-year-olds, periods considered difficult for child-rearing.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 11:31
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WizWe Co., Ltd. (CEO: Kohei Moritani), Naha City (Mayor: Satoru Chinen), and NTT West Corporation (President: Ryota Kitamura) have reported the results of their joint 'Dental Health Habituation Support Project - Polishing more than just teeth. Polishing parent-child trust and future health too.' This demonstration addressed Okinawa's regional issue of high childhood cavity rates by introducing a behavioral science-based habit-formation model to promote daily tooth-brushing habits.
Targeting parents of preschoolers in Naha City, the project provided 'Shiagemigaki Support NAHA' via LINE. It combined image-based messages and two-way communication with dedicated supporters to provide 'psychological accompaniment' that empathized with parents.
■Key Demonstration Results
1. Habituation of Tooth Brushing: The average recording rate for brushing 5+ times a week reached 67.4%, exceeding the 60% goal. 66.7% of participants reached their KPIs, indicating approx. 70% habituated. Even the previously non-habituated group saw their recording rate improve to 62.5%.
2. Change in Dental Visit Rates: The dental visit rate for children increased from 18% before the project to 45% upon completion (73% including future intentions). This prompted action in previously non-visiting families.
3. Shift in Health Awareness: 91.9% of parents reported an improvement in their health awareness, showing a ripple effect on conscious change.
■Key Factor for Success: Psychological Accompaniment Support
The results suggest that psychological support—empathizing with parents' anxieties, affirming what they are currently doing, and offering low-hurdle suggestions—worked effectively beyond simple information sharing. This was particularly crucial during 'difficult periods' such as around age 1 (unstable daily rhythms) and age 3 (resistance due to developing self-will).
Moving forward, the partners aim to expand the Naha model across Okinawa Prefecture and eventually nationwide as a sustainable support model combining technology and psychological accompaniment.
Targeting parents of preschoolers in Naha City, the project provided 'Shiagemigaki Support NAHA' via LINE. It combined image-based messages and two-way communication with dedicated supporters to provide 'psychological accompaniment' that empathized with parents.
■Key Demonstration Results
1. Habituation of Tooth Brushing: The average recording rate for brushing 5+ times a week reached 67.4%, exceeding the 60% goal. 66.7% of participants reached their KPIs, indicating approx. 70% habituated. Even the previously non-habituated group saw their recording rate improve to 62.5%.
2. Change in Dental Visit Rates: The dental visit rate for children increased from 18% before the project to 45% upon completion (73% including future intentions). This prompted action in previously non-visiting families.
3. Shift in Health Awareness: 91.9% of parents reported an improvement in their health awareness, showing a ripple effect on conscious change.
■Key Factor for Success: Psychological Accompaniment Support
The results suggest that psychological support—empathizing with parents' anxieties, affirming what they are currently doing, and offering low-hurdle suggestions—worked effectively beyond simple information sharing. This was particularly crucial during 'difficult periods' such as around age 1 (unstable daily rhythms) and age 3 (resistance due to developing self-will).
Moving forward, the partners aim to expand the Naha model across Okinawa Prefecture and eventually nationwide as a sustainable support model combining technology and psychological accompaniment.
FAQ
実証事業の主な成果は何ですか？
週5回以上の「仕上げみがき」記録率が平均67.4%を達成し、目標の60%を上回りました。また、参加者の約7割が習慣化に成功しました。
どのようなサポート体制で実施されましたか？
LINEを活用した「仕上げみがきサポートNAHA」を通じ、画像メッセージの配信や専属サポーターによる双方向の心理的伴走支援を行いました。
歯科受診率にはどのような変化がありましたか？
子どもの歯科受診率は実証前の18%から終了時には45%まで向上し、受診意向を含めると73%に達しました。
特に困難とされた育児時期はいつですか？
生活リズムが不安定な1歳前後と、自己主張が強まり抵抗が見られる3歳前後の「困難期」において、心理的支援の重要性が示唆されました。
今後の展開予定について教えてください。
那覇市でのモデルを基盤に、まずは沖縄県内での展開を進め、将来的には日本全国への拡大も視野に入れています。