Right after the 3.11 disaster, there was a sudden increase in pneumonia cases in Kesennuma, especially amongst elderly evacuees. Recovered medical records revealed a 240% increase from 2010, and a 710% increase at evacuation sites. Why? Clinicians suspected oral bacteria to be the cause, and dentists began promoting better oral health conditions. By June 2011, the pneumonia symptoms had been eradicated. Study meetings and practical training sessions are now being held based on the lessons learned.