April 4th is 'Periodontal Disease Prevention Day'! Is Waiting Until it Hurts Too Late? 1 in 2 People Tend to Overlook Gum Disease, the 'Silent Disease'

SCO Group (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Chairman: Yusuke Tamai; hereinafter 'SCO Group'), as part of its 'Oral Life Project,' has conducted an awareness survey regarding 'periodontal disease,' known as a 'silent disease.'

### Summary 1. Approximately half of the people know that periodontal disease is linked to systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. About 40% of the total responded that it 'doesn't really click' or 'is hard to believe.' 2. 40% of respondents feel that 'food gets stuck easily.' While this could be a minor sign of periodontal disease, most people are leaving it untreated. The reality that 'many people visit dental clinics only after feeling pain' has become clear.

### Details

1) The #1 symptom felt within the past year was 'food getting stuck easily (40.0%)' Periodontal disease is called a 'silent disease' because it progresses in its early stages without prominent symptoms like pain. However, there are 'minor signs.' The Japanese Society of Periodontology lists symptoms such as 'stickiness in the mouth upon waking up,' 'bleeding,' and 'bad breath' in its self-check list. In this survey, when asked about oral symptoms felt within the past year, 'food getting stuck easily' was the most common response at 40.0%. As periodontal disease progresses, the gums swell or recede, leading to symptoms like food getting stuck more easily. Not missing this minor sign is a step toward preventing the worsening of gum disease.

2) 68.8% of those who felt some symptoms in the past year 'left them untreated.' The reason was 'because there was no pain (55.5%)' Among those who responded that they felt some symptoms, it was revealed that 68.8% left them untreated. The reason, cited by about half, was 'because there was no pain,' making it clear that the trend of 'going to the dental clinic only after feeling pain' persists.

3) 51.2% do not know that periodontal disease affects systemic diseases such as diabetes Periodontal disease affects diabetes, heart disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy complications (low birth weight/premature birth). When asked about their awareness of this, 51.2% replied they 'didn't know.' Regarding their acceptance of this fact, 39.8% said it 'doesn't really click' or 'is hard to believe.' The situation where many people are 'unaware' means that neglecting gum disease can lead to worsening symptoms and the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream, potentially impacting the aforementioned diseases. To prevent these diseases, early detection and treatment of periodontal disease are urgent tasks.

### Comment from Dr. Tsukiyama 'From this survey, we learned that many people still only go to the dentist after they feel pain. However, periodontal disease is a silent disease that progresses without pain in its early stages. Despite 40% of people feeling that food gets stuck easily, the reality is that many leave it as it is. Furthermore, more than half of the people did not know that gum disease relates to systemic health like diabetes and heart disease. The important thing is to notice minor signs rather than pain. Bleeding, discomfort, or food getting stuck are signs from your body. Checking with a dental clinic while symptoms are mild can prevent major future troubles. A dental clinic is not a place to go when it hurts, but a place to visit to protect your health.'

### Awareness Survey Overview - Target: Men and women in their 20s to 60s - Sample size: 500 people - Period: December 4, 2025 – December 5, 2025 - Method: Internet survey

### Survey Supervision Dr. Teppei Tsukiyama, General Director of Tsukiyama Dental Clinic

### About SCO Group With the vision of 'Creating 105 Years of Life with Technology,' SCO Group develops and provides next-generation operation systems for the future of dental care. We provide multifaceted and practical solutions such as cashless payment support, business efficiency, and medical equipment procurement for dental clinics nationwide. We aim to realize a sustainable society that supports both mental and physical health by actively participating in sports and support activities.