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The government has put together a policy to consider the introduction of a "universal dental checkup," in which all citizens undergo an annual dental checkup. We aim to reduce medical expenses by maintaining dental health, suppressing the induction of other diseases, and extending healthy life expectancy.

In Japan, about 80% of people over the age of 40 are said to have symptoms of periodontal disease. Infection with periodontal disease bacteria progresses the inflammation of the periodontal tissue, resulting in symptoms such as stickiness in the mouth, bleeding when brushing teeth, bad breath, swollen gums, and gum pain. As it progresses, teeth may fall out. Recent studies have found that periodontal disease is associated with diseases such as aspiration pneumonia, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature birth, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.

If you don't brush your teeth properly, plaque and tartar build up between your teeth and gums. Plaque contains 100 million bacteria per 1 mg of weight, and the toxins produced by the bacteria cause inflammation in the gums, swelling and bleeding, and the gap between the teeth and gums (periodontal pockets). I can do it. Periodontal disease is thought to be associated with multiple bacteria called periodontal disease bacteria. The enzymes and toxins of periodontal disease bacteria dissolve the alveolar bone that supports the teeth, and the teeth become loose, the gums recede, and the teeth fall out. Periodontal disease bacteria, enzymes and toxins produced by bacteria, and cytokines (substances that cause inflammation) produced by periodontal disease tissue become a continuous source of supply, and are transported throughout the body through blood vessels, leading to systemic diseases. believed to have a detrimental effect. For example, when periodontal bacteria adhere to the inner lining of the heart, it causes endocarditis, which increases the risk of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and cerebral infarction. It has also been pointed out that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may cause a substance called prostaglandin to occur in the body, causing the uterus to contract, leading to premature birth. Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are said to be prone to periodontal disease due to weakened immune function, and it has been found that periodontal disease exacerbates these diseases. Elderly people have a high prevalence of periodontal disease, and bacteria in the mouth enter the lungs, causing inflammation and leading to the development of aspiration pneumonia.

Currently, dental checkups are compulsory only for children aged 1.5 and 3 years old, school checkups for elementary, junior high and high school students, and those who handle chemicals such as hydrochloric acid. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, together with the Japan Dental Association, has promoted the "8020 Campaign" to keep 20 teeth at the age of 80. is less than 10%. Therefore, it is said that the government plans to encourage people who have had few opportunities to see a doctor until now by promoting universal insurance. Specifically, dental checkups are included in regular health checkups at companies. In addition, it seems that proposals such as distributing simple kits for collecting saliva and conducting periodontal disease tests have been put forward. In addition, abnormalities in the oral mucosa may lead to oral cancer, so it is important to regularly check the condition of the mucous membrane in the mouth. By providing such oral care, we hope to prevent illness and aggravation and also reduce medical costs.

According to the National Medical Expenditure Statistics for 2019, dental treatment and medical expenses amounted to approximately 3,015 billion yen, accounting for approximately 6.8% of the total national medical expenditure (approximately 44,389.5 billion yen). The introduction of universal dental checkups and early oral care could lead to a reduction in medical costs.