Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market Shows Consistent Growth, Forecast to Hit USD 1.8 Billion by 2033

Overview

New York, NY – Feb 09, 2026 –  The Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market size is expected to be worth around USD 1.8 billion by 2033 from USD 1.2 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.

Mouth ulcers, also known as oral ulcers, are common lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth, including the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums. These ulcers are generally small but can cause significant discomfort, particularly during eating, drinking, and speaking. The formation of mouth ulcers can be attributed to multiple factors such as minor oral injuries, nutritional deficiencies, stress, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions.

Basic treatment for mouth ulcers is primarily focused on pain relief, faster healing, and prevention of secondary infection. Topical treatments are widely recommended as the first line of management. These include antiseptic gels, protective pastes, and topical anesthetics that help reduce pain and irritation while forming a protective barrier over the ulcer surface. Anti-inflammatory mouth rinses are also commonly used to decrease swelling and promote oral hygiene.

Nutritional support plays a critical role in ulcer management. Deficiencies in vitamins such as B12, folic acid, and iron have been associated with recurrent ulcers, and supplementation may be advised where necessary. In addition, patients are generally encouraged to avoid spicy, acidic, or abrasive foods that may aggravate symptoms.

In cases of frequent or severe ulcers, medical consultation is recommended to identify underlying causes. Overall, with appropriate basic treatment and preventive care, most mouth ulcers heal naturally within one to two weeks. Growing awareness of oral health and access to effective treatments continue to support improved patient outcomes globally.

Key Takeaways

• In 2023, the global mouth ulcer treatment market generated revenue of approximately USD 1.2 billion, expanding at a CAGR of 4.1%, and is projected to reach around USD 1.8 billion by 2033.
• By formulation, the market is categorized into sprays, mouthwash, gels, lozenges, and ointments. Among these, gels dominated in 2023, accounting for a market share of 37.1%.
• Based on drug class, the market is segmented into antimicrobial, antihistamine, analgesics & corticosteroids, and others. The analgesics & corticosteroids segment held a leading position, with a revenue share of 38.7%.
• In terms of indication, the market is divided into aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, oral candidiasis, and other indications. Aphthous stomatitis emerged as the largest segment, contributing 44.8% of the total market revenue.
• By distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Retail pharmacies led the segment, capturing a revenue share of 48.2%.
• Regionally, North America dominated the global market in 2023, holding a market share of 35.9%.

Regional Analysis

North America continues to lead the mouth ulcer treatment market, accounting for a revenue share of 35.9%. This dominance can be attributed to growing awareness regarding effective mouth ulcer management and the rising prevalence of oral conditions. Increased demand for advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions is supporting market expansion.

The adoption of dental technologies such as intra-oral cameras, digital X-rays, optical scanners, and computer-assisted design systems has further strengthened market growth. In particular, intra-oral cameras are widely used by dental professionals to detect hidden oral defects. Product innovations by companies such as MouthWatch and Air Techniques Inc. have enhanced diagnostic accuracy through high-definition imaging solutions.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Growth is supported by rising awareness of oral hygiene, favorable government initiatives, and improving healthcare infrastructure. China, India, and Japan are key growth contributors due to urbanization, expanding middle-class populations, and increasing adoption of branded oral care products. In August 2022, ICPA Health Products introduced Trioplast anti-ulcer dental paste, further supporting regional market expansion.

Emerging Trends

• Multi-targeted therapeutic strategies are increasingly being developed, integrating intensive oral hygiene protocols with reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitors, growth factors, and advanced topical formulations. These approaches are designed to simultaneously address ulcer pathogenesis, inflammation control, and tissue regeneration.
• Nanofiber-based drug delivery films are under active investigation as localized treatment platforms. These systems enable controlled and sustained release of therapeutic agents at the ulcer site, with the potential to improve treatment adherence by reducing dosing frequency.
• Oral microbiota modulation is emerging as a novel therapeutic avenue, wherein targeted regulation of microbial communities is leveraged to support mucosal healing and reduce the likelihood of ulcer recurrence.
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has gained broader clinical adoption for ulcer management. Clinical evidence indicates that LLLT is effective in reducing pain severity, accelerating epithelial repair, and shortening overall ulcer duration.
• Advanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapies, including cytokines, growth factors, and cryotherapy-based adjuncts, are under evaluation. These agents aim to modulate the inflammatory cascade and enhance epithelial regeneration at ulcer sites.

Use Cases

• Salt water and hydrogen peroxide rinses: A topical cleansing regimen using a 1:1 dilution of hydrogen peroxide and water, applied with a cotton swab three to four times daily, has been utilized to reduce microbial load and provide short-term analgesic benefits.
• Oral cryotherapy in adult chemotherapy patients: In individuals receiving fluorouracil (5-FU), ice-chip cryotherapy administered during infusion was associated with a reduction in oral mucositis incidence from 38.9% to 6.7% of treatment courses.
• Cryotherapy-based risk reduction: A meta-analysis demonstrated that oral cryotherapy reduced the risk of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis by 39% (RR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.52–0.72) in adult patients treated with 5-FU.
• Pediatric mucositis prevention: Among pediatric patients undergoing intravenous methotrexate therapy, oral cryotherapy using ice cubes resulted in mucositis incidence of 22.2% compared with 63.4% in control groups (RR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.19–0.63; p ≤ 0.001).
• Hydration and supportive care measures: Supportive management recommendations include maintaining fluid intake of at least 3 liters per day and avoiding known mucosal irritants such as citrus products and alcohol, which are associated with increased ulcer pain and delayed healing.

Frequently Asked Questions on Mouth Ulcer Treatment

• What is mouth ulcer treatment?
  Mouth ulcer treatment refers to medical and therapeutic solutions designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and accelerate healing of ulcers occurring on the oral mucosa, gums, tongue, or inner cheeks.
• What are the most commonly used mouth ulcer treatment formulations?
  Common formulations include gels, mouthwashes, sprays, lozenges, and ointments. Among these, gels are widely preferred due to targeted application, prolonged contact time, and effective pain relief at the ulcer site.
• Which drug classes are used in mouth ulcer treatment?
  Mouth ulcer treatments typically include analgesics, corticosteroids, antimicrobials, antihistamines, and combination therapies. Analgesics and corticosteroids are frequently prescribed due to their effectiveness in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
• What conditions are treated under the mouth ulcer treatment market?
  The market covers conditions such as aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, oral candidiasis, and trauma-induced ulcers. Aphthous stomatitis represents the most common indication, driving significant demand for treatment products.
• What factors are driving growth in the mouth ulcer treatment market?
  Market growth is driven by rising prevalence of oral disorders, increasing awareness of oral health, easy availability of over-the-counter treatments, and advancements in dental diagnostics and drug formulations across developed and emerging regions.
• Which regions show strong growth potential in the mouth ulcer treatment market?
  North America leads due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, while Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth, supported by large populations, improving access to healthcare, government initiatives, and rising adoption of branded oral care products.

Conclusion

The mouth ulcer treatment market continues to demonstrate steady growth, supported by the high prevalence of oral lesions and increasing awareness of effective management options. Basic treatment approaches focused on pain relief, inflammation control, and faster healing remain widely adopted, particularly topical gels and supportive therapies.

Market expansion is further driven by innovations in drug delivery systems, advanced anti-inflammatory agents, and non-invasive therapies such as low-level laser treatment. Strong performance in North America and rapid growth in Asia Pacific highlight regional opportunities. Overall, continued product innovation and improved access to oral healthcare are expected to enhance patient outcomes and sustain long-term market growth.