Over the past decade, I’ve noticed a growing number of patients coming to my clinic with jaw-related health problems—many of which are linked to modern lifestyle changes. The first issue is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). With more people spending hours at desks or glued to smartphones, poor posture has become a silent culprit behind jaw pain, headaches, and facial discomfort. In Japan’s work culture, stress also contributes to teeth grinding, further worsening TMJ symptoms. Secondly, delayed wisdom tooth removal is increasingly common. Some patients wait until pain becomes unbearable before visiting a dentist, leading to infections and more complicated surgeries. In our society, where people often prioritize work over health, timely dental care can be neglected. Finally, I’ve observed a sharp rise in dental implant demand—not just among older patients, but younger individuals seeking long-term solutions after accidents or tooth loss. While technology has made implants safer and more durable, proper patient education on maintenance is still essential. As a surgeon, my mission is to address these issues not just in the clinic, but also through education. By raising awareness of posture, early treatment, and long-term oral care, I hope to see healthier smiles and fewer preventable problems in the years ahead.
