Mouth Ulcers Treatment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Drug Class (Antimicrobial, Antihistamine, Analgesics & Corticosteroids), By Formulation (Gels, Lozenges), And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2026

Report Overview

The global mouth ulcer treatment market size was valued at USD 937.5 million in 2017. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period. Rising awareness regarding oral hygiene and the increasing geriatric population are anticipated to drive the market during the forecast period.

Mouth ulcers are painful lesions and bruises showing up in the mucous film of the mouth. Increasing usage of synthetics in oral items such as toothpaste and a growing shift towards 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 working in favor of the market.

However, people have a highly casual approach to mouth ulcers, which can have a negative impact on the growth of the market. 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 mouth ulcers. This trend is projected to shape the future of the market.

For instance, in 2015, Singapore Lion started an oral health education program in association with the Singapore Health Promotion Board. As a part of the oral health education program, the company works on the “Health on wheels” campaign under which the bus visits elementary schools and other schools in order to create awareness among children.

Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market Trends

The growing global geriatric population is expected to propel the market growth over the forecast period owing to increased susceptibility to mouth ulcers due to a subsequent decrease in immunity with age. According to the data published in World Population Prospects 2019, around 1 in 6 people will be aged 65 years or above by 2050, accounting for around 16% of the total population. 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.

Increasing number of people suffering from oral and dental problems due to the consumption of synthetic chemicals in foods and oral care products is another major factor boosting the mouth ulcer treatment market. Moreover, failure to diagnose or treat oral 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 oral cancer.

Nicotine-based products can slow down a patient's recovery from a mouth ulcer, 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 mouth ulcer treatment products increases.

According to the NCBI, the oral ulcer is a common condition in outpatient settings, with over 25% of the population worldwide affected by recurrent aphthous ulcers. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of oral cancers is anticipated to propel market growth. According to statistics published in the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that around 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022. 

However, the lack of knowledge about oral 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 mouth 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

On the basis of drug class, the market is segmented into antimicrobial, antihistamine, analgesics & corticosteroids, and others. The others segment includes anesthetics and antiseptics and it is poised to lead the market throughout the forecast horizon. These are generally used for minimizing unbearable pain for a temporary period and are used in cases of minor lesions. Doctors prescribe these types of drugs to reduce pain and ensure fast healing.

Analgesics and corticosteroids are likely to witness the highest CAGR during the same period, as they are the most prescribed pain killers in the global market. They are used as painkillers in the treatment of mouth sores or ulcers. 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

On the basis of formulation, the mouth ulcer treatment market is divided into sprays, mouthwash, gels, and lozenges. Gels held the largest share in the global market in 2017 due to quick healing formulas, ease of availability, and fast anti-inflammatory & anti-swelling properties. They also have anesthetic properties, which provide temporary relief from unbearable pain of mouth sores or ulcers. Moreover, it is available in different forms and flavors which is suitable for both children and adults.

Lozenges are expected to post the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to low side effects, ease of availability, and quick healing of ulcers. 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

From a regional front, the market can be classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and MEA. The Asia Pacific was the leading revenue contributor in the market in 2021 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 market 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 growth of the market in APAC. 

The rate of mouth ulcers 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 market growth. 

Germany's mouth ulcer treatment market is expected to grow at a lucrative CAGR owing to the increasing prevalence of oral cancer in this region. The sore mouth ulcer that doesn’t cure within several days or weeks is one of the main symptoms of oral cancer and thus patients seek medical treatment. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, there were around 7,333 newly diagnosed oral cancer cases in Germany in 2020. This is attributed to the growing demand for mouth ulcer treatment products. 

Moreover, increasing consumption of tobacco is expected to result in a large number of mouth ulcer cases. For instance, according to Eurostat, nearly 21.9% or about 16 million of Germany's population are daily cigarette smokers. Furthermore, the region records about 127,000 annual deaths due to adverse effects of smoking. Increased susceptibility to mouth ulcers due to smoking is anticipated to boost the regional market growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some of the key players in the market are Blistex Inc.; Church & Dwight Co, Inc.; 3M; Colgate Palmolive Company; GlaxoSmithKline, Plc; and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. These players are involved in adopting strategies such as collaborations and mergers & acquisitions and enter into partnerships to strengthen their position in the market.

For instance, in August 2017, Church & Dwight Co., Inc. successfully completed the acquisition of Water Pik, Inc., one of the market leaders in both replacement showerheads and oral water flossers. This acquisition is most likely to help add more oral hygiene-related products and treatments in their product lines.

Mouth Ulcers Treatment Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, & country levels and provides an analysis of industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2026. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global mouth ulcers treatment market report on the basis of drug class, formulation, and region:

• Drug Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2026)

  • Antimicrobial

  • Antihistamine

  • Analgesics & Corticosteroids

  • Others

• Formulation Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2026)

  • Sprays

  • Mouthwash

  • Gels

  • Lozenges

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2026)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • The U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

  • Latin America

    • Mexico

    • Brazil

  • MEA

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia