83rd National Elementary School Tooth Brushing Contest to Feature Oral Function Education for 320,000 Students

Lion Corporation, the Lion Dental Health Institute, the Japan School Dental Association, and the Tokyo School Health Association, with the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, will host the 83rd National Elementary School Tooth Brushing Contest from June 1 to June 10, 2026, coinciding with 'Dental and Oral Health Week' (June 4-10). The contest uses video content to teach elementary school students both domestically and abroad about the importance of oral health.

This year, a record-breaking 5,984 schools and 326,213 students are expected to participate, representing approximately one out of every three elementary schools in Japan.

While childhood cavities are on the decline, 'oral hypofunction' has emerged as a significant challenge. In response, the contest has added new content regarding oral function (chewing power) in addition to traditional oral hygiene education. Through checks such as chewing speed and posture, students will gain awareness of how to foster their own oral functions. Participants will also receive the 'Kamotto! Gum' for follow-up learning at home.

Under the theme 'Polish Your Teeth and Yourself,' and supervised by Professor Emeritus Riichi Yasui of Meikai University, the contest will teach students how to identify healthy gums and practice self-care, emphasizing the importance of daily habits. Educational materials such as 'Future Declaration Cards' and 'Eehar Quest' will also be utilized to support long-term habit formation.