[Oral Hygiene Survey] Over 70% Have "Oral Concerns"? Exploring the Relationship with Care Time and "Hints for Resolution"
A survey of 716 manual toothbrush users reveals over 70% have oral concerns, many brush less than recommended, and regular check-ups significantly boost auxiliary tool use.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 20:00
As part of daily grooming and health management, more people are spending time on daily oral care. However, even with diligent efforts, many still suffer from oral problems.
Therefore, Kizuna Dental Clinic (https://www.kizna-dc.com/), a medical corporation that emphasizes dialogue with patients and provides a wide range of dental care from preventive dentistry to aesthetic treatment (Location: Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture; Director: Takafumi Mizuno), conducted a survey targeting 716 men and women aged 20-69 nationwide to clarify the relationship between daily brushing habits and oral concerns.
This survey revealed the current situation where many people are seriously addressing their oral health but still face problems, and it provided clues for resolving these concerns.
[TOPICS]
・Over 70% experience some kind of oral trouble, with "bad breath" being the most common concern.
・Many people's brushing time does not meet the recommended duration (3 minutes or more).
・Approximately 80% of those who received regular check-ups also used floss, showing a significant difference from those who did not.
*For details on the survey methodology, please refer to "Survey Implementation Overview" at the end of this release.
Main Survey Results
1. 75.1% experience some kind of oral trouble, with "bad breath" being the most common concern at 44.4%.
How many people experience some kind of problem with their teeth or mouth in their daily lives? The following graph summarizes the results of questions about current oral symptoms.
The percentage of respondents who answered "None apply (no symptoms of concern)" was only 24.9%, indicating that 75.1% of the total population experience some kind of trouble. The most common specific symptom was "concerned about bad breath" at 44.4%, followed by "stickiness in the mouth upon waking (34.8%)", "swollen/red gums (21.6%)", and "bleeding during brushing (20.1%)".
It appears that many people experience minor discomforts or problems in their mouth at various moments in their daily lives, such as bad breath or morning stickiness. It seems that only a minority can confidently say "I have no concerns at all," suggesting that oral problems are a very familiar topic for everyone.
2. "While-brushing" group tends to brush longer, but many still don't reach the recommended brushing time (3 minutes or more).
While we've seen that many people have oral concerns, how much time do they usually spend brushing their teeth? Many dental clinics recommend "3 minutes or more per session" as a guideline for thoroughly brushing the entire mouth.
Using "3 minutes" as a benchmark, let's look at the average time spent per brushing session, categorized by brushing style.
Among the group who "concentrate on brushing in front of a bathroom mirror (concentrated brushing)," "less than 2-3 minutes" was the most common at 32.7%. When combined with "less than 1-2 minutes (28.7%)" and "less than 1 minute (7.8%)," 69.2% of people do not reach the recommended "3 minutes."
On the other hand, among the group who "brush while doing something else, such as watching TV or bathing (while-brushing)," "less than 3-5 minutes" was the most common at 30.4%. Although this group tends to spend more time than the "concentrated brushing" group, when combined with "less than 2-3 minutes (26.2%)", "less than 1-2 minutes (18.3%)", and "less than 1 minute (1.3%)," 45.8% still do not reach "3 minutes."
Thus, it became clear that many people, not only in the "concentrated brushing" group but also in the "while-brushing" group, which tends to spend more time, are not securing the recommended care time.
3. Oral trouble perception rate decreases with brushing time "5 minutes or more," falling to 55.1% for "10 minutes or more."
While we've seen that many people don't secure the recommended care time, can oral problems be prevented simply by spending more time? Let's look at the relationship between the time spent brushing per session and the percentage of people experiencing oral concerns.
The percentage of people experiencing oral concerns was highest in the "less than 3-5 minutes" group at 80.6%. In contrast, it was 69.2% in the "less than 5-10 minutes" group and 55.1% in the "10 minutes or more" group, showing a tendency for the perception rate of problems to decrease in groups that brush for 5 minutes or more.
It should be noted that the slightly lower trouble perception rate in the "less than 1 minute" group, which spends the shortest time, may be due to a lack of awareness of symptoms because of low interest in oral health. Conversely, the "less than 3-5 minutes" group, which had the highest rate, could be interpreted as being in the stage where they have started brushing more carefully because they began to notice oral concerns.
In this regard, groups that spend 5 minutes or more are generally assumed to have a high interest in oral health, yet their trouble perception rate is kept low. This suggests a possible correlation between spending a certain amount of time on careful care and fewer problems.
*Long brushing times can also carry the risk of damaging teeth and gums if brushed with too much force (over-brushing). It is important to note that effectiveness is not solely determined by the length of time, but also by proper brushing technique.
[Reference Data] Differences in trouble perception rates between "concentrated brushing" and "while-brushing."
The graph below compares the trouble perception rates of the "while-brushing" group, which tended to brush longer, and the "concentrated brushing" group.
The percentage of people experiencing trouble was 74.6% for the "concentrated brushing" group and 77.4% for the "while-brushing" group, showing no significant difference between the two. Since the perception rate remained almost unchanged even with "while-brushing," which allows for more time, it suggests that simply extending the time is not enough; it is crucial to brush carefully to effectively remove plaque.
4. Among those who received regular check-ups, floss usage rate is 79.4%, a 32.2 percentage point difference from those who did not.
While a tendency was observed for people who spend more time brushing to experience fewer oral problems, it might be difficult to dedicate a long time to care every day amidst busy schedules. Furthermore, some plaque cannot be removed by a toothbrush alone, making the combined use of dental floss and interdental brushes important.
Finally, let's look at the usage status of these tools and its relationship with the habit of receiving regular dental check-ups.
The usage rate of floss and interdental brushes among those who "received" regular check-ups in the past year reached 79.4%. In contrast, the usage rate among those who "did not receive" check-ups remained at 47.2%, indicating a significant difference of 32.2 percentage points between the two groups.
The higher usage rate of tools among those who receive regular check-ups may be attributed to the possibility that they naturally adopt correct habits by receiving care guidance from professionals at dental clinics. An environment where care challenges, often unnoticed by oneself, can be objectively pointed out, can lead to an overall improvement in the quality of daily self-care.
Summary: Securing Care Time and Professional Support to Enhance "Quality"
This survey revealed the current situation where many people do not secure the generally recommended brushing time (3 minutes or more). To maintain a healthy oral environment, it is essential to first allocate a certain amount of time for daily brushing and be conscious of thoroughly removing plaque.
On the other hand, simply spending time may not provide a fundamental solution, and regular dental check-ups at a dental clinic complement this. Indeed, it was confirmed that people who regularly interact with professionals tend to utilize tools like floss, and many naturally habituate care that enhances its "quality."
To protect oral health for a long time, in addition to diligently continuing daily self-care, seeking professional assistance periodically is a highly reliable method. Building a habit of "prevention" based on correct knowledge will be the first step towards resolving oral concerns.
Survey Implementation Overview
Survey organization: In-house survey
Survey method: Internet survey (Knowns Consumer Research)
Target area: Nationwide in Japan
Target audience: Men and women aged 20-69 who primarily use "manual toothbrushes"
Survey period: February 28, 2026
Valid responses: 716 people
*Valid responses for this survey were obtained based on an even distribution across genders and 5-year age groups. *Percentages (%) in this release are calculated using weighted back aggregation adjusted to the population composition ratio by gender and age group. *Percentages (%) are rounded to the first decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.
Questionnaire Content
・Do you usually use any tools other than a "toothbrush" for home care? Please select all that apply.
・In what situation do you most often brush your teeth at home?
・On average, how much time do you spend brushing your teeth per session?
・Do you currently have any symptoms of concern in your mouth? Please select all that apply.
・How many times have you had a "regular dental check-up" at a dental clinic in the past year? (Please answer the number of visits for "prevention and cleaning," not for treatment of cavities, etc.)
Kizuna Dental Clinic, Medical Corporation Kizuna
As a "dental clinic where 'kizuna' (bonds) with patients are born," specialist doctors in various fields, dedicated dental hygienists, and professional counselors work together to provide customized treatment through thorough dialogue and technology. With the goal of "cleaning teeth as a passing point, and creating moments where we can laugh together someday saying 'I'm so glad we met then'," we support a life full of smiles.
▼Features of our clinic
・"Team medicine" by specialists in each field: Expert dentists, assigned dental hygienists, and ceramic specialist dental technicians collaborate to provide high-quality treatment.
・Counseling emphasizing "dialogue": Equipped with dedicated counseling rooms.
Therefore, Kizuna Dental Clinic (https://www.kizna-dc.com/), a medical corporation that emphasizes dialogue with patients and provides a wide range of dental care from preventive dentistry to aesthetic treatment (Location: Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture; Director: Takafumi Mizuno), conducted a survey targeting 716 men and women aged 20-69 nationwide to clarify the relationship between daily brushing habits and oral concerns.
This survey revealed the current situation where many people are seriously addressing their oral health but still face problems, and it provided clues for resolving these concerns.
[TOPICS]
・Over 70% experience some kind of oral trouble, with "bad breath" being the most common concern.
・Many people's brushing time does not meet the recommended duration (3 minutes or more).
・Approximately 80% of those who received regular check-ups also used floss, showing a significant difference from those who did not.
*For details on the survey methodology, please refer to "Survey Implementation Overview" at the end of this release.
Main Survey Results
1. 75.1% experience some kind of oral trouble, with "bad breath" being the most common concern at 44.4%.
How many people experience some kind of problem with their teeth or mouth in their daily lives? The following graph summarizes the results of questions about current oral symptoms.
The percentage of respondents who answered "None apply (no symptoms of concern)" was only 24.9%, indicating that 75.1% of the total population experience some kind of trouble. The most common specific symptom was "concerned about bad breath" at 44.4%, followed by "stickiness in the mouth upon waking (34.8%)", "swollen/red gums (21.6%)", and "bleeding during brushing (20.1%)".
It appears that many people experience minor discomforts or problems in their mouth at various moments in their daily lives, such as bad breath or morning stickiness. It seems that only a minority can confidently say "I have no concerns at all," suggesting that oral problems are a very familiar topic for everyone.
2. "While-brushing" group tends to brush longer, but many still don't reach the recommended brushing time (3 minutes or more).
While we've seen that many people have oral concerns, how much time do they usually spend brushing their teeth? Many dental clinics recommend "3 minutes or more per session" as a guideline for thoroughly brushing the entire mouth.
Using "3 minutes" as a benchmark, let's look at the average time spent per brushing session, categorized by brushing style.
Among the group who "concentrate on brushing in front of a bathroom mirror (concentrated brushing)," "less than 2-3 minutes" was the most common at 32.7%. When combined with "less than 1-2 minutes (28.7%)" and "less than 1 minute (7.8%)," 69.2% of people do not reach the recommended "3 minutes."
On the other hand, among the group who "brush while doing something else, such as watching TV or bathing (while-brushing)," "less than 3-5 minutes" was the most common at 30.4%. Although this group tends to spend more time than the "concentrated brushing" group, when combined with "less than 2-3 minutes (26.2%)", "less than 1-2 minutes (18.3%)", and "less than 1 minute (1.3%)," 45.8% still do not reach "3 minutes."
Thus, it became clear that many people, not only in the "concentrated brushing" group but also in the "while-brushing" group, which tends to spend more time, are not securing the recommended care time.
3. Oral trouble perception rate decreases with brushing time "5 minutes or more," falling to 55.1% for "10 minutes or more."
While we've seen that many people don't secure the recommended care time, can oral problems be prevented simply by spending more time? Let's look at the relationship between the time spent brushing per session and the percentage of people experiencing oral concerns.
The percentage of people experiencing oral concerns was highest in the "less than 3-5 minutes" group at 80.6%. In contrast, it was 69.2% in the "less than 5-10 minutes" group and 55.1% in the "10 minutes or more" group, showing a tendency for the perception rate of problems to decrease in groups that brush for 5 minutes or more.
It should be noted that the slightly lower trouble perception rate in the "less than 1 minute" group, which spends the shortest time, may be due to a lack of awareness of symptoms because of low interest in oral health. Conversely, the "less than 3-5 minutes" group, which had the highest rate, could be interpreted as being in the stage where they have started brushing more carefully because they began to notice oral concerns.
In this regard, groups that spend 5 minutes or more are generally assumed to have a high interest in oral health, yet their trouble perception rate is kept low. This suggests a possible correlation between spending a certain amount of time on careful care and fewer problems.
*Long brushing times can also carry the risk of damaging teeth and gums if brushed with too much force (over-brushing). It is important to note that effectiveness is not solely determined by the length of time, but also by proper brushing technique.
[Reference Data] Differences in trouble perception rates between "concentrated brushing" and "while-brushing."
The graph below compares the trouble perception rates of the "while-brushing" group, which tended to brush longer, and the "concentrated brushing" group.
The percentage of people experiencing trouble was 74.6% for the "concentrated brushing" group and 77.4% for the "while-brushing" group, showing no significant difference between the two. Since the perception rate remained almost unchanged even with "while-brushing," which allows for more time, it suggests that simply extending the time is not enough; it is crucial to brush carefully to effectively remove plaque.
4. Among those who received regular check-ups, floss usage rate is 79.4%, a 32.2 percentage point difference from those who did not.
While a tendency was observed for people who spend more time brushing to experience fewer oral problems, it might be difficult to dedicate a long time to care every day amidst busy schedules. Furthermore, some plaque cannot be removed by a toothbrush alone, making the combined use of dental floss and interdental brushes important.
Finally, let's look at the usage status of these tools and its relationship with the habit of receiving regular dental check-ups.
The usage rate of floss and interdental brushes among those who "received" regular check-ups in the past year reached 79.4%. In contrast, the usage rate among those who "did not receive" check-ups remained at 47.2%, indicating a significant difference of 32.2 percentage points between the two groups.
The higher usage rate of tools among those who receive regular check-ups may be attributed to the possibility that they naturally adopt correct habits by receiving care guidance from professionals at dental clinics. An environment where care challenges, often unnoticed by oneself, can be objectively pointed out, can lead to an overall improvement in the quality of daily self-care.
Summary: Securing Care Time and Professional Support to Enhance "Quality"
This survey revealed the current situation where many people do not secure the generally recommended brushing time (3 minutes or more). To maintain a healthy oral environment, it is essential to first allocate a certain amount of time for daily brushing and be conscious of thoroughly removing plaque.
On the other hand, simply spending time may not provide a fundamental solution, and regular dental check-ups at a dental clinic complement this. Indeed, it was confirmed that people who regularly interact with professionals tend to utilize tools like floss, and many naturally habituate care that enhances its "quality."
To protect oral health for a long time, in addition to diligently continuing daily self-care, seeking professional assistance periodically is a highly reliable method. Building a habit of "prevention" based on correct knowledge will be the first step towards resolving oral concerns.
Survey Implementation Overview
Survey organization: In-house survey
Survey method: Internet survey (Knowns Consumer Research)
Target area: Nationwide in Japan
Target audience: Men and women aged 20-69 who primarily use "manual toothbrushes"
Survey period: February 28, 2026
Valid responses: 716 people
*Valid responses for this survey were obtained based on an even distribution across genders and 5-year age groups. *Percentages (%) in this release are calculated using weighted back aggregation adjusted to the population composition ratio by gender and age group. *Percentages (%) are rounded to the first decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.
Questionnaire Content
・Do you usually use any tools other than a "toothbrush" for home care? Please select all that apply.
・In what situation do you most often brush your teeth at home?
・On average, how much time do you spend brushing your teeth per session?
・Do you currently have any symptoms of concern in your mouth? Please select all that apply.
・How many times have you had a "regular dental check-up" at a dental clinic in the past year? (Please answer the number of visits for "prevention and cleaning," not for treatment of cavities, etc.)
Kizuna Dental Clinic, Medical Corporation Kizuna
As a "dental clinic where 'kizuna' (bonds) with patients are born," specialist doctors in various fields, dedicated dental hygienists, and professional counselors work together to provide customized treatment through thorough dialogue and technology. With the goal of "cleaning teeth as a passing point, and creating moments where we can laugh together someday saying 'I'm so glad we met then'," we support a life full of smiles.
▼Features of our clinic
・"Team medicine" by specialists in each field: Expert dentists, assigned dental hygienists, and ceramic specialist dental technicians collaborate to provide high-quality treatment.
・Counseling emphasizing "dialogue": Equipped with dedicated counseling rooms.
FAQ
What is the most common oral problem among Japanese people?
The most common concern is "bad breath," with 44.4% of respondents reporting it as a worry.
How long is the recommended brushing time?
Many dental clinics recommend brushing for "3 minutes or more per session" as a guideline for thorough oral cleaning.
What changes can be expected from regular dental check-ups?
Those who receive regular check-ups show a significantly higher rate of using floss and interdental brushes, indicating improved self-care quality through professional guidance.