Yes and no. It depends on which side of the fluoride fence you sit on. Some folks think fluoride makes no difference to dental health or is even harmful — perhaps it’s flossing regularly that is important.

In any case, I was surprised to learn that not all developed countries, particularly Japan, have fluoride in their water. I come from Singapore where the water has what I consider comfortable levels of fluoride to prevent bacteria from festering.

As my curiosity was perked on this topic, I searched on the Internet and found that Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Germany, and Czechoslovakia used to fluoridate their public water, but have since stopped.

An expat doctor I got to know in my early days in Tokyo informed me that the fluoride levels in toothpaste in Japan are actually not enough, if you are in the camp that thinks the chemical is an essential part of dental hygiene.

Even foreign branded toothpaste, like Colgate and Aquafresh, are not allowed to have the same amount of fluoride we have back home.

What’s the solution? Either stock up when you go home for a visit, or buy from amazon.com (not amazon.co.jp) or other online stores that ship internationally. It’s not illegal to bring in your own toothpaste into Japan — fluoride toothpaste is just not sold in the country.

Photo: Okinawa Soba

How did I choose the clinic ?
Well, it is the nearest to Yamate station, and it looks clean and tidy, that’s all.
And I think my choice is not wrong, it costs 4600JPY/60mins. Not bad.

肩とか首のこりがひどいので、山手駅そばの中国整体に行ってみました。
整形外科に行くかどうか迷ったのだけど、たまたま整体のほうが遅い時間までやってたので。
駅のそばでこじんまりとしたクリニックは、地元の人がよく利用しているみたいです。
問題は、中国人の施術士にちゃんと症状が伝わっているかどうか…

I have no idea about how many people in japan have an allergy to pollen, maybe 20% or more?
Usually my bad season starts in March and lasts till July or August with itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing…i think I look something miserable.
I used to take medicines, but they didn’t make any sense and I dont’ like them, so I stopped taking them.

I heard if I get older, it may get better. How long should I wait for ? 20 years ? :p