Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented by Drug Class (Antimicrobial, Antihistamine, Analgesics & Corticosteroids, Others), By Formulation (Mouthwash, Lozenges, Ointment, Spray, Gel), By Indication (Aphthous Stomatitis, Oral Lichen Planus, Others), By Region 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.74 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	3.91%
Fastest Growing Segment	Antimicrobial
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 2.19 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market will grow from USD 1.74 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.19 Billion by 2031 at a 3.91% CAGR. The Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market comprises pharmaceutical formulations, including corticosteroids, analgesics, and antimicrobials, delivered via gels, sprays, and mouthwashes to manage aphthous stomatitis and oral lesions. The market’s expansion is fundamentally driven by the rising prevalence of stress-induced oral conditions and a heightened global emphasis on oral hygiene maintenance. According to the Delta Dental Plans Association, in 2024, 91% of adults believed that a dental visit is as important as an annual physical, reflecting a robust consumer commitment to preventative oral wellness that underpins demand for therapeutic oral care products.

However, a significant challenge impeding broader market growth is the frequent misdiagnosis of oral lesions, where patients fail to distinguish between common ulcers and serious conditions such as oral cancer. This lack of awareness often leads to delayed professional consultation and inappropriate self-medication, thereby limiting the adoption of prescription-grade or targeted ulcer treatments.

Key Market Drivers

The Increasing Global Prevalence of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis acts as a primary catalyst for market expansion, as these painful, non-contagious lesions affect a vast portion of the global population. This widespread occurrence necessitates frequent therapeutic intervention to manage pain and accelerate healing, directly fueling sales of corticosteroid and antimicrobial formulations. According to the Oral Health Foundation, June 2024, in the 'National Smile Month' campaign data, 76% of adults in the United Kingdom experienced dental problems including mouth ulcers in the past year, highlighting the pervasive nature of oral conditions that require immediate treatment. The recurring nature of these ulcers ensures a sustained consumer reliance on over-the-counter palliative care products to maintain daily quality of life.

Simultaneously, the Rapid Expansion of the Geriatric Population Susceptible to Oral Lesions significantly propels market demand, as aging individuals are disproportionately prone to conditions like denture stomatitis and trauma-induced ulcers. Older adults often experience compromised mucosal immunity and reduced salivary flow, increasing the severity and frequency of these oral complications. According to the National Institutes of Health, January 2024, in the study 'Frequency of Systemic Diseases and Oral Lesions Among the Elderly', 97.1% of evaluated elderly subjects presented with at least one oral lesion, with denture stomatitis affecting 14.3% of the participants. This demographic shift underscores the critical need for specialized oral care solutions, a segment where major players are seeing financial gains; according to Haleon, March 2024, in the 'Annual Report and Form 20-F 2023', the Oral Health category generated £3.1 billion in revenue, driven partly by strong performance in therapeutic denture care brands.

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Key Market Challenges

The frequent misdiagnosis of oral lesions presents a substantial barrier to the growth of the Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market. Patients often struggle to differentiate between benign aphthous stomatitis and severe pathologies such as oral cancer, primarily due to the visual similarity of early-stage symptoms. This confusion results in a consumer tendency to dismiss persistent lesions as minor irritations, leading to extended periods of ineffective self-medication with basic over-the-counter products rather than seeking necessary professional medical intervention.

Consequently, this lack of clinical distinction directly suppresses the demand for specialized, prescription-grade therapies. When patients fail to consult healthcare providers, the market potential for targeted, high-efficacy pharmaceutical formulations remains underutilized, as these products usually require a clinician's diagnosis. This issue is underscored by critical data regarding public knowledge. According to the Oral Health Foundation, in 2024, awareness regarding the primary signs and symptoms of mouth cancer was as low as 20% among the general population. Such low awareness correlates with delayed professional consultations, thereby reducing the addressable patient pool for advanced therapeutic ulcer treatments.

Key Market Trends

The Rising Adoption of Herbal and Natural Formulations is reshaping the market as consumers increasingly prioritize safety and organic ingredients over conventional synthetic compounds. This shift is characterized by a growing demand for products containing bioactive agents like aloe vera, curcumin, and licorice, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits without the potential side effects associated with synthetic corticosteroids. Manufacturers are rapidly reformulating product lines to exclude artificial preservatives and sulfates, positioning these natural alternatives as premium, holistic solutions for oral lesion management. This consumer pivot is quantitatively supported; according to The Grocer, October 2024, in the 'How oral care became beautiful: oral care trends 2024' report, 70% of consumers expect oral care brands to be sustainable and 94% would pay more for them, signaling a decisive market shift toward environmentally conscious and plant-based therapeutic options.

Simultaneously, the Increasing Preference for Rapid-Acting OTC Gels is driving substantial revenue growth for established pharmaceutical players. Unlike general mouthwashes or slow-release patches, viscous gels offer immediate, targeted relief by forming a protective barrier over exposed nerve endings, a feature highly valued by busy demographics seeking instant pain alleviation. This preference for convenient, high-efficacy topical application has incentivized major brands to expand their portfolios with fast-absorbing, benzocaine-based innovations that cater to the need for on-the-go treatment. This demand surge is evident in the financial performance of market leaders; according to Church & Dwight Co., Inc., February 2024, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results', the company reported that full-year net sales increased 9.2% to $5,867.9 million, a growth trajectory supported by the sustained consumer consumption of its portfolio brands, including the leading oral analgesic Orajel.

Segmental Insights

The Antimicrobial segment currently demonstrates the fastest growth within the Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market, driven by the increasing necessity to mitigate secondary bacterial infections in oral wounds. Physicians frequently prescribe antimicrobial agents to facilitate faster mucosal healing and prevent complications associated with open lesions. This trend is reinforced by the consistent approval of effective formulations by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which instills confidence among practitioners and patients. As a result, the focus on comprehensive infection management remains a primary catalyst for the surge in demand for antimicrobial treatments.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific stands as the leading region in the Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market, primarily driven by a vast patient base across densely populated economies like China and India. This dominance is anchored by the high prevalence of oral ailments resulting from widespread tobacco usage, nutritional deficiencies, and dietary habits involving spicy food consumption. Additionally, a rapidly aging demographic susceptible to oral lesions sustains consistent demand for effective therapies. Improving healthcare infrastructure and government-led awareness initiatives, such as the National Oral Health Program in India, have further expanded treatment accessibility, consolidating the region’s market position.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, Jaguar Health, Inc. announced that its subsidiary had initiated the commercial launch of Gelclair, a prescription product for the treatment of oral mucositis, in the United States. The bioadherent oral gel is indicated for the management and relief of pain associated with oral lesions of various etiologies, including diffuse aphthous ulcers and medication-induced stomatitis. The company emphasized that the product provides rapid and long-lasting protection without numbing or stinging, thereby helping patients maintain their ability to eat and drink during treatment for complex conditions.
• In August 2024, the oral care brand UlcerEze launched a new saliva-activated patch for the treatment of mouth ulcers in the Australian market. The product was developed to address the limitations of traditional gels and creams, which are often washed away quickly by saliva before they can be effective. The innovative patch adheres to the wet surface of the mouth to form a physical barrier that protects the ulcer from irritation while delivering natural active ingredients, including calcium and silicon, to support tissue repair. The launch followed the product's approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
• In June 2024, Bonyf NV highlighted the results of a clinical study that validated the efficacy of its mouth ulcer cream, AphtoFix, in providing rapid pain relief and accelerating healing. The company noted that the cream utilizes a proprietary muco-adhesive technology to form a thin, elastic protective barrier over the ulcer, effectively isolating it from external stimuli such as food and saliva. These findings, which demonstrated significant pain reduction from the first day of application, underscored the company's commitment to developing scientifically proven solutions for oral discomfort and lesion management.
• In May 2024, the Swedish biotechnology company Mucocort AB received approval from the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the Swedish Ethical Review Authority to initiate a clinical trial for its novel intraoral patch aimed at treating aphthous stomatitis. The trial was designed to evaluate the patch's ability to provide immediate pain relief and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from recurrent mouth ulcers. The company developed the fully biodegradable, self-absorbing patch to adhere to the moist oral mucosa and transform into a protective gel, thereby shielding the lesion and facilitating the natural healing process.

Key Market Players

• 3M Company
• GlaxoSmithKline, plc
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• Colgate-Palmolive Company
• Blistex Inc
• Church & Dwight Co, Inc.
• Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited
• Patterson Dental Supply Inc.
• Pfizer Inc.
• Prince Care Pharma Private Limited

By Formulation	By Indication	By Region
Mouthwash Lozenges Ointment Spray Gel	Aphthous Stomatitis Oral Lichen Planus Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market, By Formulation:

• Mouthwash
• Lozenges
• Ointment
• Spray
• Gel

• Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market, By Indication:

• Aphthous Stomatitis
• Oral Lichen Planus
• Others

• Mouth Ulcer Treatment Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE