Thinking About the Oral Health of Children with Illnesses and Disabilities During 'Dental and Oral Health Week' — Interview with the Supervising Instructor of the Japan Society of Pediatric Orthodontics Published

Charming Care (General Incorporated Association, based in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative Director: Mizuho Ishijima) has published an interview article on its website with Dr. Shinya Hanada of the Hanada Dental Clinic (a medical corporation), who is the Supervising Instructor of the Japan Society of Pediatric Orthodontics. This publication aims to provide an opportunity to think about the 'oral cavity' of children with illnesses and disabilities, coinciding with 'Dental and Oral Health Week' (sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Japan Dental Association, and the Japan School Dental Association) from June 4th to 10th.

Oral issues, including orthodontic treatment, are not just about appearance. They are deeply connected to vital functions such as 'chewing, swallowing, and speaking,' saliva secretion, overall physical health, and even social participation. Particularly for children affected by cancer treatment, those with intellectual disabilities or severe motor and intellectual disabilities, and those with congenital conditions, there are unique and often overlooked challenges such as oral dysfunction and tooth loss.

■ On the Occasion of 'Dental and Oral Health Week' — The Oral Cavity is Not Just an Appearance Issue

Every year from June 4th to 10th is 'Dental and Oral Health Week,' sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Japan Dental Association, and the Japan School Dental Association. The slogan for fiscal year 2026 is 'Tooth brushing is the front line of protecting the body,' indicating that dental and oral care is directly linked to overall health.

On the other hand, there are many issues surrounding the oral health of children with illnesses and disabilities that have not been sufficiently discussed. Even orthodontic treatment is not merely for cosmetic purposes; it is a medical approach that supports occlusion, chewing, and pronunciation functions, and ultimately, growth and development itself. Furthermore, parents and professionals face a wide range of challenges, including oral dysfunction, oral care for children with intellectual or severe motor and intellectual disabilities, and the impact of medical treatments on tooth development.

To broadly share this theme, our organization conducted and published an interview with Dr. Shinya Hanada, the Supervising Instructor of the Japan Society of Pediatric Orthodontics.

■ Main Points from the Interview with Supervising Instructor Hanada

Dr. Shinya Hanada, Hanada Dental Clinic (Medical Corporation)

- The background behind the increase in children who 'cannot eat well' or 'have misaligned teeth' despite a decrease in cavities: Oral dysfunction.
- Approaches to oral care for children with intellectual disabilities and severe motor and intellectual disabilities (the academic basis for feeding and swallowing care developed from involvement with disabled children).
- Responses when medical treatment affects tooth development (tooth agenesis occurs in about 10% of cases; health insurance may apply for three or more missing teeth).
- The need for a system where multiple professions, such as nutritionists, public health nurses, physicians, and dentists, collaborate based on dentistry.

▶ Interview Article URL
https://charmingcare.jp/know/oralfunction

▶ Japan Society of Pediatric Orthodontics PR TIMES STORY
https://prtimes.jp/story/detail/rwRYQKuZ5Yx

■ Related Initiatives: Towards Improving QOL for Children with Illnesses and Disabilities

Our organization conducts multiple surveys, disseminates information, and makes policy recommendations on the theme of improving the QOL of children with illnesses and disabilities and their families. The 'oral cavity' highlighted in this release is considered one of these themes, running in parallel with the following initiatives.
● Related Article
Thinking about 'Oral Care' for Children with Illnesses and Disabilities: From the Frontline of Pediatric Home Dentistry
https://charmingcare.jp/know/20260608_post5239/

● National Survey on Appearance Care Support Projects in Municipalities (5th Year)

Since fiscal year 2022, our organization has conducted an independent annual survey on the actual status of appearance care subsidies in municipalities nationwide. The percentage of municipalities providing subsidies, which was 38% (669 municipalities) in fiscal year 2022, expanded to 76% (1,315 municipalities) in fiscal year 2025, approximately doubling in four years. The 5th-year survey for fiscal year 2026 will begin on June 15th, with results expected to be announced around September.

・FY2025 Release: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000017.000055867.html

・Special Feature Page: https://charmingcare.jp/appearance-care/

● Survey on Appearance Care Awareness Among Children

From August to October 2025, a survey was conducted targeting childhood cancer survivors and their families nationwide, with approval from the Ethics Review Committee of the National Center for Child Health and Development. This survey on children's own awareness and needs regarding appearance care is an area that has not been sufficiently researched. The results are planned to be used as reference material for recommendations to national agencies.

・Details: https://charmingcare.jp/learn/survey1

■ About Charming Care (General Incorporated Association)

Focusing on improving the quality of life for children with illnesses and disabilities and their families, we operate businesses based on five axes: 'Learn, Work, Buy, Know, and Support.'

https://charmingcare.jp/

【Company Overview】

Company Name: Charming Care (General Incorporated Association) Established: July 2019
Location: 1F Ikeda Nishiyama Building, 1-4 Shinmachi, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture
Representative Director: Mizuho Ishijima
E-mail: info@charmingcaremall.com
Business: Welfare-related business, EC business, Media business, Advertising business, Planning and sales of miscellaneous goods
URL: https://charmingcaremall.com/
URL: https://charmingcare.jp/