#Japan #Tokyo #oral health #SCO Group #Gumma Prefecture

Celebrating '105 Years of Life Day' in Japan

On October 5th, a notable day for recognizing the importance of oral health called '105 Years of Life Day' was officially established by the SCO Group. This initiative is part of their commitment to the Oral Life Project, aimed at fostering a culture of health and well-being as Japan embraces the concept of living longer, healthier lives.

The Role of Oral Health in Longevity

The decision to designate this day underscores the vital link between oral health and overall longevity. Not only does oral health contribute significantly to one's quality of life, but it is also a crucial component in preventing various health issues. To promote this awareness, an extensive survey was conducted to assess public attitudes towards oral hygiene practices across different prefectures in Japan.

Top Five Prefectures for Oral Health Awareness

According to the latest findings, Gumma Prefecture emerged as the leader in oral health awareness with impressively high statistics, such as:

• - 63.3% of residents regularly visiting a dentist.
• - 68.4% consistently using dental floss.

These numbers reflect a strong preventive mentality in Gumma, with lower rates of smoking, drinking, and poor oral hygiene habits compared to national averages. Additionally, individuals reported minimal self-conscious symptoms like bad breath or gum bleeding, showcasing a high satisfaction level in their oral care routines.

Bottom Five: A Wake-Up Call

Conversely, Aomori Prefecture was ranked lowest, with alarming statistics especially in:

• - 34.8% smoking rate, which significantly exceeds the national average of 15.9%.
• - High levels of drinking and unhealthy late-night eating habits, impacting their oral and overall health. This indicates a pressing need for improvement and awareness campaigns to elevate their oral health standards and practices.

Detailed Findings on Daily Oral Care Practices

A striking outcome from the survey highlighted that over 90% of respondents from various prefectures claimed to brush their teeth daily. However, certain regions like Fukushima revealed that around 10% of individuals do not brush regularly. Furthermore, dental floss usage is crucial, yet less than 30% of the surveyed individuals reported using it daily, indicating a potential area for education.

Dr. Yuichi Hasegawa, Director of Hasegawa Dental Clinic, emphasized the significance of regular brushing and bringing awareness to those with risky oral health habits. He stressed the movement towards a preventative culture similar to those seen in leading countries regarding dental care.

The Importance of Dental Check-Ups

The survey also uncovered that only about 51.3% of participants engage in regular dental check-ups, with Gumma leading at 63.3%. Alarmingly, 29% of respondents had not visited a dentist in more than five years, revealing the potential risks associated with neglecting dental maintenance. Dr. Hasegawa urged the importance of preventive care, suggesting that maintaining oral health should be prioritized, even during asymptomatic periods.

Concerns about Lifestyle Habits

The survey also shed light on the correlation between oral health and lifestyle choices. In Aomori, smoking and drinking rates were significantly higher, with 34.8% currently smoking and 41.3% consuming alcohol regularly, indicating a precarious situation for oral hygiene and overall health. Dr. Hasegawa noted that these habits drastically lower immunity, raising oral disease risks.

Fostering Awareness for a Healthier Future

The research findings present an urgent call for a cultural shift towards enhanced oral health education and preventive care initiatives. The expectation is that a better understanding of the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases will motivate individuals to change their habits positively. Additionally, health professionals must focus more on preventive measures rather than solely on treatments.

In conclusion, October 5th not only marks '105 Years of Life Day' but also serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining good oral health practices to ensure longer, healthier lives in Japan. The SCO Group remains at the forefront, championing this initiative with the aim to encourage all citizens towards a healthier future.

About SCO Group

SCO Group is dedicated to advancing medical technology and promoting longevity through a vision of creating a world where everyone can thrive as they age. Their ongoing projects aim at improving dental health through educational initiatives and technology-based solutions. With their ambitious vision, SCO Group is pioneering efforts to bridge the gap between technology and health care, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant society.