Visiting a Dentist in Japan Without National Health Insurance: Save Money and Learn Better Dental Care

Visiting the dentist in New York can cost a fortune, but in Japan, even without National Health Insurance, dental cleaning is surprisingly affordable. Discover the costs, tips for better brushing, and why going to the dentist in Japan is worth it.

No more cavity!

Why I Went to the Dentist in Japan

During a short trip back to Japan, I decided to visit a dentist. Living in New York, dental treatments often come with shocking bills—sometimes even a simple cleaning can cost around $300–$350 (about ¥40,000).

This time, I wanted to save money by getting dental care in Japan—and it was absolutely worth it. Not only did I spend much less, but I also learned updated tips on how to take better care of my teeth.

How Much Does It Cost Without National Health Insurance?

Even without Japan’s National Health Insurance, the price difference compared to the U.S. is huge.

Here’s what I paid during my visit:

• Dental cleaning: ¥4,500
• Gel toothpaste: ¥700
• Floss: ¥300
• Total: ¥5,500 (about $37)

In comparison, the same cleaning in New York would easily be around ¥40,000.

Updated Brushing Techniques I Learned

Every time I visit a dentist in Japan, I’m impressed by how carefully they teach brushing techniques. This time, the dental hygienist also explained how oral health affects overall health.

I learned that before surgeries, doctors often recommend dental treatment first—because gum disease and plaque can negatively impact your body. Keeping the spaces between teeth clean and “breathable” is essential for long-term health.

Here are the key tips I received:

• Apply fluoride toothpaste on floss before use.
• Floss each tooth one by one, gently rubbing.
• Use interdental brushes—and also apply fluoride toothpaste to them.
• Focus on cleaning the triangular spaces between teeth, not just the surface.
• Brush while looking in a mirror.
• Divide your mouth into four sections and brush systematically: upper right → upper left → lower right → lower left (inside, surface, outside).
• Avoid brushing within 1 hour after meals (your mouth is more acidic).
• Electric toothbrushes are not always the best.
• For back teeth, keep your mouth half open and relaxed to reach deeper.
• Slight amounts of fluoride are safe, but poor brushing habits are far more harmful.
• Coffee and wine don’t cause tartar buildup—bad brushing does.

These tips completely changed the way I care for my teeth.

Recommended Dental Care Brand: BOKA

If you’re looking for high-quality dental care products, I recommend BOKA. Their toothpaste and brushes are designed with enamel safety in mind. You can check out their website here.

Final Thoughts

For those living in the U.S., I strongly recommend visiting a dentist in Japan if you get the chance. Even without National Health Insurance, the cost is much lower than in America, and the service is more thorough.

I hope these brushing tips from a Japanese dental hygienist help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. A little extra care now can prevent big dental bills later—especially in New York!

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