Do you ever get expat paranoia?
19 Aug
I’ve to confess that I finally started using Japanese toothpaste. Yes, after three whole years of living in Japan.
For those of you who did your homework on what’s available or not in Japan, you will know that Japanese toothpaste and tap water has little or no fluoride. This freaks some people out and some just shrug it off. If you follow the link, one of the people in the expat forum claims to have had seven cavities because of a lack of flouride in his toothpaste.
When I first moved to Tokyo, I was afraid to see a doctor or dentist because I couldn’t speak the language. There are English-speaking doctors in Tokyo, both foreign and local, but you have to go to specific clinics. Even if the establishment says it can cater to foreigners, the local doctors are not the most confident in speaking English, according to a few of my expat friends. The medicine can also be of the questionable variety and you can read an experience of mine here.
Anyway, I preferred the “prevention is better than cure” route so I always loaded up on toothpaste from Singapore to take back to Tokyo. I decided a few months ago that it was a stupid idea and adults don’t really need that much fluoride in their regime — tt’s really about keeping your teeth cleaned and flossed.
I’m still a little fearful of seeking medical help in Japanese, but I think I will cross that bridge when it comes along.
So, now my silly hang-up is out in the open, what’s yours?
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i just bought a japanese toothpaste yesterday.
though on the contrary i’m actually interested in trying them. o_o
even when abroad, i usually use the ones from back home from indonesia (just because it’s cheaper), but this time i didn’t bring enough.
not sure about the insides, but the flowery smell isn’t too bad ^_^
Good for you!
My conclusion is most Japanese health & beauty products are alright, except for a few disappointing hair products I’ve tried…
Speaking of hair products, I have an odd question: can one find hair products for course hair in Tokyo? I’m looking at working abroad, but I don’t want to have to ship my hair serum from the USA… O_O
Yes you can. Kerastase is available at most hair salons and I personally use L’Oreal Damage Care serum on my unruly locks.