Xerostomia (Dry Mouth) Treatment Market Size, Share, and Growth Forecast from 2025 – 2032

The global xerostomia (dry mouth) treatment market is predicted to reach a size of US$ 1232 Mn by 2025. It is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period to attain a value of US$ 1898 Mn by 2032.

Older adults are disproportionately affected by xerostomia due to age-related physiological changes and higher medication use. Conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome significantly contribute to the prevalence of xerostomia.

• According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes prevalence is predicted to reach 783 million cases across the globe by 2025, fueling demand for associated dry mouth treatments.

Technological innovations in xerostomia treatment devices, like electrostimulation devices, are gaining traction for their ability to enhance saliva production. Surging consumer preference for natural and plant-based products is influencing the development of herbal saliva substitutes and stimulants.

Key Highlights of the Industry

• The World Oral Health Day promotes education regarding conditions like dry mouth, encouraging early diagnosis and treatment.
• Products containing aloe vera, xylitol, and green tea extracts are witnessing a surge in demand owing to their perceived safety and efficacy.
• Integration of AI in healthcare enables precise monitoring and personalized treatment for xerostomia patients.
• Digital diagnostic tools assist in assessing saliva production levels while recommending tailored treatment plans, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
• Based on statistics provided by the United Nations, the global population aged 65 years and older is estimated to reach 1.5 billion by 2050, thereby creating a demand for xerostomia treatments.
• Increased adoption rates of advanced medical devices including salivary stimulators propels growth.
• Based on product type, the OTC drugs segment is likely to exhibit a CAGR of 5.2% through 2032 owing to their ease of access.
• In terms of product type, the saliva substitutes segment is predicted to hold a share of 45% in 2025 owing to demand for effective and readily available solutions.
• By formulation, the oral sprays segment is predicted to hold a share of 30% in 2025 owing to their compact and easy to carry feature.
• North America xerostomia (dry mouth) treatment market is set to hold a share of 35% in 2025 as leading companies invest in product development.

North America xerostomia (dry mouth) treatment market is estimated to hold a share of 35% in 2025. The elderly population in the region is highly susceptible to conditions resulting in dry mouth, driving the adoption of the treatment. For example,

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, one in five Americans will be aged 65 or older, significantly boosting the demand for xerostomia treatments in this region.

Diseases like diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome, which commonly cause xerostomia, are highly prevalent in North America. A large portion of the population in the region relies on medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics, all of which can cause dry mouth as a side effect. For instance,

• Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome, which affect nearly 4 million Americans, are prominent contributors to xerostomia.

North America is home to leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies that heavily invest in research and development for xerostomia treatments. For example,

• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), funding for oral health-related research, including xerostomia, saw an increase of 15% from 2020 to 2023, driving product development.

Saliva substitutes are anticipated to hold a share of 45% in 2025. Xerostomia is a widespread condition, affecting a significant portion of the population, especially the elderly. For instance,

• According to the American Dental Association (ADA), approximately 30% of adults aged 65 and older experience symptoms of dry mouth.

Surging prevalence of dry mouth increases the demand for effective and readily available solutions like saliva substitutes. Saliva substitutes are available in various forms including sprays, gels, lozenges, and rinses, thereby catering to different patient preferences.

Versatility of saliva substitutes makes them convenient for use across different settings. These substitutes are relatively affordable compared to prescription medications and medical interventions. This makes them a budget-friendly option for consumers. For example,

• A survey revealed that 45% of xerostomia patients indicated that they prefer saliva substitutes over prescription drugs, thereby valuing their convenience and simplicity.

Oral sprays are anticipated to hold a share of 30% in 2025. These sprays provide immediate relief from dry mouth symptoms, offering a rapid solution to discomfort.

Ability to spray directly in the mouth provides instant hydration for sufferers of xerostomia, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking fast and on-the-go relief. These sprays are compact and easy to carry, enabling users to discreetly treat their condition throughout the day.

Oral sprays are effective without additional water, making them highly practical for use in various situations including travelling and at work. These sprays are an attractive option for patients who prefer to manage their symptoms independently.

Potential growth in the global xerostomia (dry mouth) treatment industry is predicted to be driven by rise in demand for prescription drugs and biologics for treating sever or chronic cases of xerostomia. The assessment period is predicted to witness an increase in the availability of high-tech oral products, like smart hydration systems and unique saliva substitutes with longer-lasting effects. Consumers are projected to seek natural ingredients in their oral care products, thereby pushing brands to incorporate organic components in their formulations.

The xerostomia (dry mouth) treatment market growth was steady at a CAGR of 5.5% during the historical period from 2019 to 2023. The period witnessed a rise in awareness regarding xerostomia and its treatments, especially among individuals having chronic health conditions.

The global aging population lead to a rise in conditions that contributed to dry mouth, thereby boosting demand for treatment options. Companies started launching new treatments, including sprays, gels, and lozenges, thereby creating a broad range of choices for consumers.

The market is estimated to witness new innovations in oral sprays, gels, and saliva substitutes, catering to mild and sever cases of dry mouth. Consumer demand for natural ingredients, nonprescription products, and convenient formulations is estimated to grow.

Surging Prevalence of Xerostomia

Xerostomia affects a significant portion of the global population, with studies showing that approximately 20% to 30% of adults experience some degree of dry mouth. This percentage goes up in older adults with up to 50% of individuals aged 65 and older reporting symptoms of dry mouth. For example,

• Studies indicate that 30% to 40% of people with diabetes experience xerostomia due to both medications and the underlying disease itself, affecting the salivary glands.
• Incidence of xerostomia is high among individuals having HIV/AIDS, with 40% to 60% of HIV-positive individuals experiencing dry mouth.

Several commonly used medications are known to cause dry mouth as a side effect, contributing to the rise in xerostomia cases.

• According to research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, 40% to 50% of older adults are on medications that can cause dry mouth.

Medication-induced Dry Mouth Conditions

Medications are a significant contributor to the prevalence of dry mouth, especially among older adults. As the global population ages, the number of people experiencing medication-induced xerostomia is predicted to continue to rise.

• Research estimates that 40% to 50% of individuals over the age of 60 are taking at least one medication that can lead to dry mouth as a side effect.

The issue is exacerbated in individuals who are on multiple medications, a phenomenon known as polypharmacy.

• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 40% of older adults in the United States take five or more medications daily.

Each additional medicine increases the likelihood of experiencing dry mouth, as the cumulative effects of various drugs can have a synergistic impact on salivary production.

Inadequate Treatment Options

Current pharmacological treatments primarily include salvia substitutes, stimulants, and over the counter drugs. For instance,

• A study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that only 30% of patients reported satisfactory relief from existing treatments.

Several treatments provide only short-term relief, requiring frequent application or dosing.

• Research indicates that over 50% of patients using saliva substitutes find the effects to last less than 2 hours, necessitating repetitive use throughout the day.

Technological Innovations in Treatment Options

Recent years have witnessed significant improvements in formulations of saliva substitutes, which are the primary treatment for dry mouth. Advances in biocompatible materials for saliva substitutes have enhanced their efficacy and patient comfort.

Newer products use natural ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help in better moisture retention and provide longer-lasting relief from dry mouth symptoms. Saliva substitutes are now available in user-friendly formats like oral gels, sprays, lozenges, and mouth rinses. This gives patients the flexibility to choose the treatment that best fits their needs and lifestyle.

• In 2019, a study published in Nature Communications demonstrated the successful use of gene therapy to restore salivary gland function in mice, leading to improved saliva production. While this is still in the experimental phase, the potential for gene therapy to become a mainstream treatment is vast, particularly for patients with head and neck cancers.

The use of stem cell therapy to regenerate damaged salivary glands is another cutting-edge approach. There is ongoing research to determine how stem cells can be used to repair or replace damaged salivary glands, thereby offering long-term solutions for xerostomia.

Rising Demand for At-home Solutions

As healthcare becomes patient-centric, consumers are increasingly favoring treatments that can be managed independently at home. This trend is witnessed across various sectors as individuals seek convenience, privacy, and ease of access without having to visit healthcare providers for every dose. For instance,

• According to a 2022 report, 70% of patients prefer home-based care over hospital visits for managing chronic conditions, including xerostomia.

Rise of smart devices offering personalized at-home treatments is contributing to the demand for home-based solutions. Oral moisturizers and smart hydrating devices that assist in stimulating saliva production or maintaining moisture balance in the mouth are gaining popularity.

• Devices like Saliwell® and EvoStim®, which use electrostimulation to increase saliva production, are increasingly available for home use, helping patients avoid frequent visits to doctors or clinics for dry mouth management.

Companies in the xerostomia (dry mouth) treatment market are progressively investing in research and development activities to develop new and effective treatments. A few manufacturers are exploring bioengineered saliva products that mimic natural saliva closely.

Businesses are extending their product lines to include various forms of treatment. They are also developing products that combine multiple therapeutic agents to enhance efficacy.

Organizations are investing in marketing campaigns to raise awareness regarding xerostomia and its treatment options. They are also providing resources for healthcare professionals to better diagnose and treat xerostomia, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Recent Industry Developments

• In September 2024, Saliwell developed the SaliPen, a device designed to stimulate natural saliva production for the treatment of dry mouth disease (xerostomia). SaliPen uses electro-stimulation, which the patients don’t feel, to increase saliva production. Its two flexible arms, equipped with stimulating electrodes, are placed in the mouth underneath the tongue.
• In January 2025, K Pharmaceuticals announced the first personalized xerostomia protocol (PXP) to address the growing dry mouth crisis.