Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Drug Class (Antimicrobial, Antihistamine, Analgesics & Corticosteroids), By Formulation (Gels, Lozenges), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global mouth ulcer treatment market size was estimated at USD 1.52 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% from 2023 to 2030. Rising awareness regarding oral hygiene and the increasing geriatric population are anticipated to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Ulcers are painful lesions and bruises showing up in the mucous film of the mouth. Increasing usage of synthetics in products such as toothpaste and a growing shift toward unhealthy lifestyles, including high consumption of junk food and tobacco, are some of the primary growth stimulants for the market. Moreover, rising dental and oral conditions are expected to boost further demand for treatment products.

People have a highly casual approach to ulcers, which can negatively impact the demand for their treatment products. There is a lack of awareness about the fact that if mouth ulcers are not treated at an early stage, they may lead to cancer. Nevertheless, active initiatives and tests are being conducted by healthcare professionals to impart awareness and avoid harmful effects caused due to ulcers. This trend is projected to shape the future of the market.

Market players are undertaking various initiatives such as innovative product launches and collaborations to cater to the increasing demand. For instance, in September 2022, Mucocort AB, a provider of oral patches for aphthous wounds, announced a partnership with Aurena Laboratories, a provider of medical device packing solutions, for the production of its pain relief patch for patients suffering from aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers). The patch is an MDR class II product that hastens the natural healing of an aphthous ulcer and relieves pain. The patch's primary effect when placed in the ulcer is hygroscopic, allowing absorption of the "inflammatory soup" in the ulcer.

The growing global geriatric population is expected to propel the market growth over the forecast period owing to increased susceptibility due to a subsequent decrease in immunity with age. According to the data published in World Population Prospects 2022, the proportion of the global population aged 65 and up is expected to rise from 10% of the total population in 2022 to 16% of the total population in 2050. In addition, between 2020 and 2050, the number of individuals aged 80 years and above is estimated to increase three-fold from 143 million to 426 million.

An increasing number of people suffering from oral and dental problems due to the consumption of synthetic chemicals in foods and dental care products is another major factor boosting the mouth ulcers treatment market. Moreover, failure to diagnose or treat dental problems at early stages can lead to cancer. As a result, healthcare professionals conduct initiatives and tests to impart awareness about the harmful effects of mouth ulcers. Institutions like the Maryland Department of Health which recognizes April as Oral Cancer Awareness Month, raise awareness and encourage people to get screened for this type of cancer.

Nicotine-based products can slow down a patient's recovery, thereby increasing the treatment period. In addition, mouth ulcers are among the common effects of tobacco and smoking cessation, affecting two in five quitters. According to WHO 2020 report, in 2020, approximately 22.30% of the global population consumed tobacco products, and over 80% of the world's tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries. Tobacco use can lead to mouth ulcers and thus the demand for treatment products increases. According to the NCBI, an ulcer is a common condition in outpatient settings, with over 25% of the population worldwide affected by recurrent aphthous ulcers. In addition, the increasing prevalence of oral cancers is anticipated to propel market growth.

However, the lack of knowledge about dental problems, treatments, and practices predominantly in developing or underdeveloped economies-can favor the use of low-cost alternatives or home remedies, thereby restraining the market's growth over the forecast period. Mostly in developing and under-developed countries such as China, India, South Africa, and Brazil, patients prefer to take home remedies or traditional treatments such as honey, clove oil, and saltwater rather than prescribed medication. This is the main restraining factor for the market growth.

Adverse effects of using oral ulcer treatment products such as steroid mouthwash or tablets are restraining the market growth. For instance, hydrocortisone buccal tablets are corticosteroids that relieve the soreness of ulcers. Common adverse effects associated with hydrocortisone treatment include headache, diarrhea, irregular heartbeats, indigestion, and dizziness. According to the Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), continual use of topical corticosteroids can lead to withdrawal reactions after termination.

Drug Class Insights

The analgesics and corticosteroids segment dominated the market in 2022 and is also expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period from 2023 to 2030, owing to the high prescription rate of these products as painkillers in the global market. They are used as painkillers in the treatment of dental sores.

Corticosteroid has anti-inflammatory properties that help in lowering inflammation caused due to infection. In addition, it binds with intracellular receptors and alters gene expression, thereby inhibiting the action of microbes. Analgesics and corticosteroids are the most prescribed drug by doctors across the globe. These drugs are highly reliable for any kind of oral problem; therefore, this segment is estimated to experience lucrative growth.

Formulation Insights

Based on formulation, the mouth ulcers treatment market is divided into sprays, mouthwash, gels, and lozenges. The gels segment held the largest share of 37.2% of the global revenue in 2022 due to quick healing formulas, ease of availability, and fast anti-inflammatory & anti-swelling properties. They also have anesthetic properties that provide temporary relief from the excruciating pain of sores. It is available in a variety of flavors and forms that are suitable for both adults and children.

The sprays segment is expected to post the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to low side effects, ease of availability, and quick healing of sores. They can be taken regularly to minimize harmful effects. Adults also prefer taking these formulations, as the chances of getting side effects are low in comparison to other alternatives and they provide long-term protection.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 35.2% in 2022. The rate of dental problems affecting people is considerably increasing in the U.S. This is attributed to an unhealthy diet, tobacco addiction, stress & trauma, and altered local immune responses. According to the United States Surgeon General's report, approximately 25% of the general population is affected by recurrent canker sores. Favorable government policies and initiatives by organizations such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that are committed to boosting people's oral health across the country are anticipated to drive regional growth.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period owing to increasing awareness about oral hygiene and supportive government initiatives. The region, on account of its wide population base and improving healthcare infrastructure, is anticipated to register the most promising growth rate during the forecast period. Besides this, vast untapped potential and increasing recognition & penetration of branded products are stimulating the growth of the regional market.

Rising awareness regarding oral treatment and practices is projected to spur the regional market growth. Moreover, increasing consumption of tobacco is expected to result in a large number of mouth ulcer cases. For instance, according to an article published by Our World in Data, nearly one in four adults in the world are daily smokers. Furthermore, the region records about 2.3 million annual deaths due to adverse effects of smoking. Increased susceptibility to mouth ulcers due to smoking is anticipated to boost the regional growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The players are involved in adopting strategies such as collaborations and mergers & acquisitions and enter into partnerships to strengthen their position and expand their reach. For instance, in August 2022, ICPA Health Products Ltd, a provider of oral healthcare solutions based in India, announced the launch of its Trioplast anti-ulcer dental paste. The main chemical in the paste, triamcinolone acetonide, helps to stop or reduce the swelling and irritation in the mouth by reducing the reaction to the allergen. Trioplast is used to treat pemphigoid, ulcerative conditions associated with pemphigus, stomatitis, recurrent aphthous, oral submucous fibrosis, mucositis, lesions of the oral mucosa, desquamative gingivitis, inflammatory disorders of the mouth, and other conditions. Some prominent players in the global mouth ulcer treatment market include:

• Blistex, Inc.

• Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

• 3M

• Colgate- Palmolive Company

• GlaxoSmithKline, Plc

• Bristol Myers Squibb Company

• Pfizer, Inc.

Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market Report Scope

Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global mouth ulcer treatment market report based on drug class, formulation, and region:

• Formulation Outook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Sprays

  • Mouthwash

  • Gels

  • Lozenges

• Drug Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Antimicrobial

  • Antihistamine

  • Analgesics & Corticosteroids

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Sweden

    • Norway

    • Denmark

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • UAE

    • Kuwait