Dr. Kenzaburo Hino, Director of Apollonia Dental Clinic in Kochi City, Delivers Commemorative Lecture at Kochi Prefecture Childcare Workers Association General Meeting — Unraveling Healthy Development and Growth Support through the Mysterious Connection Between Oral and Whole-Body Health

"Modern people have forgotten the true way of using their bodies amid automation and mechanization," says Dr. Kenzaburo Hino.

Dr. Kenzaburo Hino, Director and Chief Dentist of Apollonia Dental Clinic (Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture), delivered a commemorative lecture at the 'Reiwa 8 Kochi Prefecture Childcare Workers Association General Meeting' held on May 16, 2026.

This lecture was made possible due to the association's interest in our clinic's advanced preventive dentistry initiatives and Dr. Hino's philosophy on developmental support, both aimed at securing a brighter future for children.

Child-rearing: From 'dependence' to 'independence'

At the event attended by numerous childcare and early childhood education professionals, Dr. Hino presented a slide stating, 'Child-rearing guides babies to become human, and humans to become independent.' He strongly advocated for 'support that promotes independence,' emphasizing that rather than adults over-assisting and creating dependency, children should be empowered to manage themselves autonomously.

Held at the Main Hall, 2nd Floor, Kochi Prefectural Fukushi Exchange Plaza

The Mysterious Connection Between Mouth and Body — Children's Development, Posture, Breathing, and Eating

In his lecture, Dr. Hino explained from a dental professional's perspective, with concrete case studies, how infant 'deep swallowing (sucking)' forms the foundation of oral development, and how proper nasal breathing and correct tongue and lip functions sequentially affect healthy dental alignment, facial bone structure, and even posture.

He also pointed out that Japan's modern slipper culture and incorrect footwear habits impair toe function, contributing to poor overall posture and malocclusion.

Through live demonstrations, he explained that choosing appropriate footwear and incorporating barefoot activities in nurseries effectively reset bodily functions and unlock children's innate potential for healthy growth.

A Triad Support System

Dr. Hino urged, 'We must shift from adult-provided support to self-regulated, independent health management by children, and establish an essential 'triad support system' where families, nurseries, and specialized institutions collaborate.' He offered childcare practitioners new perspectives for daily practice.

To spread this philosophy throughout the community, we will continue our ongoing collaboration with the association.

Our clinic is part of the 'Mama and Child Dental Clinic' group and fully supports regional childcare through preventive dentistry as our core mission.

We offer online orthodontic consultations via LINE and welcome lecture requests on similar topics.

Those interested are encouraged to visit our clinic's website.

We value creating an atmosphere where 'children don't want to leave.'