Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – July 22, 2025 – The 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.
The global mouth ulcer treatment market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of oral mucosal conditions, rising awareness about oral hygiene, and the demand for fast-acting, accessible therapies. Mouth ulcers, also known as aphthous ulcers or canker sores, are painful lesions that affect the soft tissues inside the mouth and are commonly triggered by stress, nutritional deficiencies, trauma, or underlying health conditions.
Treatment options for mouth ulcers include topical gels, oral rinses, corticosteroids, analgesics, and antiseptic preparations. Among these, topical formulations such as benzocaine-based gels and chlorhexidine mouthwashes remain the most preferred due to their ease of use and direct action on the affected area. Additionally, natural and herbal remedies, such as aloe vera and licorice extracts, are gaining popularity for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The market is further supported by growing product availability through online pharmacies and over-the-counter (OTC) platforms, enhancing consumer access. Pharmaceutical companies are focusing on developing combination therapies that offer both pain relief and accelerated healing.
North America holds a significant market share due to high consumer awareness and advanced healthcare infrastructure, while Asia-Pacific is expected to exhibit the fastest growth, attributed to rising disposable income, increasing urbanization, and a growing emphasis on oral care.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the global mouth ulcer treatment market generated a revenue of approximately USD 2.0 billion. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% over the forecast period, with revenue expected to decline to USD 1.8 billion by 2033.
- Based on formulation, the market is segmented into sprays, mouthwashes, gels, lozenges, and ointments. Among these, the gel segment emerged as the leading category in 2023, accounting for 37.1% of the total market share, owing to its direct application and fast-acting relief.
- By drug class, the market is categorized into antimicrobials, antihistamines, analgesics & corticosteroids, and others. The analgesics & corticosteroids segment held the dominant share, contributing 38.7% to the overall revenue in 2023, primarily due to their effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation.
- In terms of indication, the market is divided into aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, oral candidiasis, and other conditions. Aphthous stomatitis was the most prevalent indication, capturing the largest revenue share of 44.8% in 2023.
- Regarding distribution channels, the market includes hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Retail pharmacies led the segment, holding a substantial revenue share of 48.2%, attributed to easy accessibility and product availability.
- Geographically, North America dominated the market, securing a market share of 35.9% in 2023.
Segmentation Analysis
- Formulation Analysis: In 2023, the gels segment led the market with a 37.1% share, driven by their effectiveness in pain relief and protection. These gels, often containing benzocaine or lidocaine, provide immediate numbing effects and form a protective layer over the ulcer, minimizing irritation. Some formulations also include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and support tissue healing. Their dual function pain management and healing support makes gels a preferred choice among both healthcare providers and consumers.
- Drug Class Analysis: Analgesics and corticosteroids accounted for 38.7% of the market in 2023, reflecting their dominant role in mouth ulcer treatment. These drugs offer effective relief from pain and inflammation, commonly prescribed for dental sores and oral lesions. Corticosteroids work at the cellular level to suppress inflammation and microbial activity. Their widespread prescription and proven efficacy across various oral conditions contribute significantly to the strong demand and continued growth of this segment.
- Indication Analysis: The aphthous stomatitis segment captured a leading market share of 44.8% in 2023. This condition, marked by recurring painful ulcers, is effectively managed using topical treatments such as corticosteroid-based gels and analgesics. These therapies reduce pain and inflammation while promoting faster healing, particularly beneficial for individuals with compromised immunity. The high prevalence and need for symptom management make aphthous stomatitis the most significant contributor to the overall market growth.
- Distribution Channel Analysis: Retail pharmacies dominated the distribution channel segment with a 48.2% revenue share in 2023. Their accessibility and wide availability of over-the-counter (OTC) products allow consumers to conveniently manage mouth ulcers without a prescription. Growth is further supported by the expansion of pharmacy networks in developing regions. Additionally, pharmacist consultations at retail locations improve treatment compliance and consumer satisfaction, reinforcing the segment’s strong performance and growing influence in the global market.
Market Segments
By Formulation
- Sprays
- Mouthwash
- Gels
- Lozenges
- Ointments
By Drug Class
- Antimicrobial
- Antihistamine
- Analgesics & Corticosteroids
- Others
By Indication
- Aphthous stomatitis
- Oral lichen planus
- Oral candidiasis
- Other indications
By Distribution Channel
- Hospital pharmacies
- Retail pharmacies
- Online pharmacies
Regional Analysis
North America accounted for the highest revenue share of 35.9% in 2023, driven by increased public awareness regarding effective mouth ulcer treatments and a higher prevalence of oral conditions. The region benefits from advanced dental technologies, including intra-oral cameras, digital X-rays, optical scanners, and computer-assisted design systems, which enhance diagnostic precision and treatment planning. Intra-oral cameras, in particular, are widely adopted by dental professionals for identifying hidden oral issues and improving clinical outcomes.
Prominent players in the region, such as MouthWatch and Air Techniques Inc., have contributed to market growth through technological advancements. MouthWatch introduced a high-definition intra-oral camera at SmileCon 2021 in Las Vegas, while Air Techniques launched innovative products including the ScanX Duo Touch scanner and SensorX intraoral sensor at the California Dental Association (CDA) event in San Francisco. These developments have strengthened North America’s leadership in diagnostic capabilities and treatment accessibility.
The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. Factors contributing to this rapid expansion include rising oral health awareness, supportive government initiatives, and significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are expected to lead regional growth due to increasing urbanization, expanding middle-class populations, and growing demand for branded healthcare products.
In August 2022, ICPA Health Products, based in India, launched the Trioplast anti-ulcer dental paste containing triamcinolone acetonide. This active compound effectively alleviates mouth irritation and inflammation by suppressing allergic reactions, highlighting the region’s rising focus on product innovation and therapeutic advancement.
Emerging Trends
- The development of multi targeted treatment strategies has been observed, combining aggressive oral hygiene practices with reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitors, growth factors, and specialized topical agents to address multiple aspects of ulcer formation and healing.
- Nanofiber based drug delivery films are being investigated to provide controlled release of therapeutic agents directly at the ulcer site, enabling sustained local administration and potentially reducing dosing frequency.
- Regulation of the oral microbiota is emerging as a therapeutic approach, in which modulation of bacterial communities is leveraged to promote mucosal healing and prevent ulcer recurrence.
- Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been increasingly applied to reduce pain and accelerate healing; clinical reports indicate that LLLT can significantly shorten ulcer duration and improve patient comfort.
- Novel anti inflammatory and antioxidant agents including cytokines, growth factors, and cryotherapy adjuncts are under study to modulate the inflammatory response and enhance epithelial regeneration at ulcer sites.
Use Cases
- Salt water and peroxide rinses: A mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water applied with a cotton swab, repeated 3–4 times daily, has been used to cleanse ulcer sites and provide short term pain relief.
- Oral cryotherapy in adults: In patients receiving fluorouracil (5 FU) chemotherapy, ice chip cryotherapy administered during infusion reduced the incidence of oral mucositis from 38.9% to 6.7% of treatment courses.
- Cryotherapy risk reduction: A meta analysis reported that cryotherapy lowered the risk of developing chemotherapy induced mucositis by 39% (RR=0.61; 95%CI0.52–0.72) in adults treated with 5 FU.
- Pediatric chemotherapy prevention: In children undergoing IV methotrexate, those using ice cubes during infusion experienced oral mucositis in 22.2% of treatment courses versus 63.4% in controls (RR0.35; 95%CI0.19–0.63; p≤0.001).
- Hydration and supportive care: Patients are advised to drink at least 3L of fluids per day and to avoid irritants (e.g., citrus, alcohol), which can exacerbate ulcer pain and delay healing.
Conclusion
The global mouth ulcer treatment market is evolving with advancements in formulations, diagnostics, and delivery systems. Growing awareness, rising prevalence of oral conditions, and demand for fast-acting therapies are fueling market expansion. Gels and corticosteroid-based products remain the most preferred, while emerging technologies like nanofiber drug films and low-level laser therapy show promise in enhancing treatment outcomes.
Regional growth is led by North America, with Asia Pacific poised for rapid advancement. Continued innovation, accessibility through retail channels, and supportive government initiatives are expected to drive the market’s sustained development in the coming years.
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