Photo/Illutration A water-free oral care kit that includes small toothbrushes, floss picks and wet wipes (Provided by Yamato-Esulon Co.)

YAO, Osaka Prefecture—A toothbrush manufacturer here has developed a water-free tooth cleaning kit to help people maintain oral hygiene during disasters, when drinking water is scarce and dental care is often neglected.

After the Noto Peninsula earthquake on Jan. 1, the product was provided to people in affected areas free of charge. Some residents appreciated being able to maintain oral hygiene without water.

The water-free tooth care kit includes six toothbrushes, six floss picks and 10 wet wipes for wiping the teeth and mouth instead of rinsing with water. It is priced at 1,320 yen ($9), including tax.

The kit provides enough supplies for one person to brush twice a day for three days.

First, a water-free toothbrush cleans the surface of the teeth. A floss pick then removes debris between the teeth. Finally, a wet wipe is wrapped around a finger to wipe the teeth and mouth, removing any leftover food particles.

The wet wipes, which contain xylitol, leave the mouth feeling fresh even without water or toothpaste.

The manufacturer Yamato-Esulon Co. has produced toothbrushes and cosmetic containers and has also been involved in developing oral care products.

The company planned the water-free toothbrush under the supervision of dentists and Plus Arts, a Kobe-based nonprofit organization that works to raise disaster awareness.

The idea was inspired by the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, after which many elderly people died of pneumonia, including aspiration pneumonia caused by bacteria from the mouth entering the lungs.

According to Yamato-Esulon, there have been few products specifically designed for disaster use since then. The company said it aimed to contribute to society by utilizing its expertise in toothbrush manufacturing.

The toothbrush and floss pick are designed for single use in situations without water. The toothbrush handle was shortened to around 10 centimeters to make it more portable and reduce waste.

The width of the brush head is about half the size of regular toothbrushes, making it easier for children with small mouths to use.

The kit also includes an easy-to-understand instruction leaflet with illustrations.

The kit was launched online on March 11, 2023, but orders increased tenfold following the Noto Peninsula earthquake, and the product even sold out at one point.

Yamato-Esulon provided 2,000 sets as relief supplies to the affected areas.

Inquiries from business partners asking if the company could increase supply have risen.

The company made improvements to extend the shelf life of the wet wipes from three to five years.

Starting in September, the product is also being sold at the major retailer Loft Co.

“We hope this product becomes an essential item people stock up on after water and food,” said an assistant manager of Yamato-Esulon’s sales department. “We would like people to easily maintain their oral hygiene at evacuation sites and protect lives saved during disasters from related fatalities.”

Related News