#Japan #oral health #Lotte #Chiba #Chiba Dental Association

Lotte's Commitment to Oral Health

On June 23, 2025, Lotte Co., Ltd., located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, formalized a collaboration with the Chiba Dental Association and the Chiba branch of the National Health Insurance Association. This partnership aims to promote the oral health of Chiba residents through a comprehensive agreement.

The signing ceremony took place at the Chiba Dental Association headquarters with key figures in attendance, including Dr. Nobuhiro Okawara, the president of the Chiba Dental Association; Mr. Nobuyuki Sato, the head of the Chiba branch of the National Health Insurance Association; and Mr. Seiji Takasaki, Lotte's managing executive officer.

Objectives of the Partnership

The agreement highlights three primary goals:

1. Enhancement of Oral Health: To promote the overall health of Chiba residents through initiatives focused on dental and oral care.
2. Research and Analysis: To investigate and analyze factors related to health improvement.
3. Development of Additional Necessary Measures: To implement further actions deemed essential to achieve the goals of this partnership.

Lotte's long-standing commitment to oral health, as initiated since its founding in 1948, incorporates products that aid in dental care, such as chewing gum and xylitol, dedicated to benefiting the community of Chiba. By leveraging these products, Lotte aims to make a significant contribution to local health initiatives.

Background of the Partnership

The decision to collaborate stemmed from a concerning trend identified through health examination surveys conducted by the National Health Insurance Association. Many participants expressed concerns related to their ability to chew effectively, prompting the need for this cooperation. The focus will be on understanding why some individuals struggle with chewing to implement effective measures.

Further steps include conducting surveys to gather insights from individuals who reported difficulty chewing during medical examinations. Lotte plans to utilize its products, especially the “chewing check gum”, as part of these investigative efforts.

Insights from Lotte’s Executive

In comments following the agreement, Mr. Seiji Takasaki emphasized the significance of this collaboration. He stated, “This tri-party agreement with the Chiba Dental Association and the National Health Insurance Association marks a pivotal step towards promoting the oral health of Chiba residents. Our sustainability initiative, 'Lotte Mirai Challenge 2048', highlights our dedication to health enhancement through chewing, making it a cornerstone of our activities.

Lotte is equally engaged in initiatives aimed at preventing dental caries in children, ensuring a well-rounded approach to oral health across all ages. The company plans to apply its unique strengths and technology in promoting health initiatives targeting diverse demographics, from infants to adults.

Understanding Oral Frailty

The term 'oral frailty' refers to minor declines in the functionality of the oral system, which, if neglected, can lead to greater health issues, including nutritional imbalances and overall bodily decline. Identifying and addressing these minor issues is crucial, as they can serve as significant indicators of the aging process.

Recent studies show that older individuals exhibiting signs of oral frailty have a significantly higher risk of future physical frailty, sarcopenia, and even increased mortality over time. Continuing to investigate and address these concerns through collaborative efforts aims to mitigate such risks among Chiba's populace.

By uniting expertise and resources, Lotte and its partners are poised to make impactful strides in enhancing the oral health landscape of Chiba Prefecture.