Lion's relationship with FDI predates the new global partnership: the company sponsored the 2025 FDI World Dental Congress as a diamond exhibitor.
On 5 October 2026, Lion Corp. announced that it would become a global partner of FDI World Dental Federation in 2027. The Japanese consumer healthcare company says it will draw on its experience building self-care habits and FDI's international network to promote oral health. Its plans include encouraging correct use of existing products and adapting products and services to local needs, particularly across Asia. Over time, Lion aims to extend its work from oral hygiene to support for oral functions.
Lion says it will be the first consumer healthcare company headquartered in Asia to take part in World Oral Health Day as an FDI global partner. It plans to work through FDI's network of dental professionals and healthcare organisations to encourage preventive habits.
FDI holds World Oral Health Day every year on 20 March. First declared in 2007, the day promotes awareness and action to improve oral health, with participation from schools and oral healthcare professionals. FDI also works with the World Health Organization on global oral-health policy and advocacy.
The partnership comes as FDI launches Generation Smile, a new three-year World Oral Health Day campaign. FDI President Dr Nikolai Sharkov said Lion's prevention work across Asia fits the federation's mission. "As we launch Generation Smile, our new three-year World Oral Health Day campaign, we are delighted to welcome Lion Corp. as a global partner. Its long-standing work to advance prevention and positive oral health behaviours across Asia strongly aligns with FDI's mission. Together, we can take this message further, inspiring people everywhere to make their oral health a priority and advancing better health and well-being for all," he said.
The scale of the challenge is global. An analysis reported by Jornal da USP estimates that around 3.7 billion people, nearly half the world's population, live with oral diseases. The Global Burden of Disease analysis covered 370 conditions across 204 countries. It tracked changes from 1990 to 2021, during which oral-disease cases rose by about 35%. Tooth decay was among the most common conditions; periodontal disease and tooth loss were also widespread. The article projects that more than 4.5 billion people could be affected within the next 30 years.
Periodontal disease affects the tissues around and supporting the teeth. The NCBI Bookshelf overview describes gingivitis, often linked to plaque build-up, as a common early stage that can be reversed with prompt treatment. Signs of gingivitis may occur in as many as 90% of people. That estimate covers a broad range of symptoms; it does not mean that 90% have severe periodontitis. Smoking and socioeconomic circumstances are also associated with risk.
A separate international consensus has called for oral care to become part of everyday care and public-health policy, as an earlier report described.
Lion's planned global role also builds on its endorsement of the FDI Tobacco Cessation project. The partnership fits the company's medium-term management plan, launched last year, which prioritises accelerating its oral healthcare business and encouraging people in Japan and across Asia to look after their oral health.
Syogyo reported that Lion plans to start by promoting correct use of existing products, particularly in Asia. The company will then use needs identified through engagement with dental professionals to develop products and services. Its partnership is scheduled to take effect through World Oral Health Day activities beginning in 2027.
Lion has more than 130 years of history. It makes household and personal care products, as well as pharmaceuticals. The company has also joined the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research at its President's Circle level, the organisation's highest tier of corporate membership.
