GLOBAL DENTAL CLEANING TABLETS MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2023 - 2030)

The global dental cleaning tablets market size is expected to reach US$ 532.9 Mn by 2030, from US$ 306.7 Mn in 2023, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% during the forecast period.

Dental cleaning tablets are oral care products that are designed to help clean and polish teeth. There are primarily two product types of dental cleaning tablets available - regular and whitening. Regular dental cleaning tablets contain abrasives like calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate that help remove surface stains and plaque from teeth through a mechanical scrubbing action. They are effective for maintaining basic oral hygiene. Whitening dental cleaning tablets contain additional bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or glycolic acid. These agents chemically break down and dissolve stains below the tooth enamel for a brighter smile.

Both regular and whitening dental cleaning tablets offer convenience as they can be used on-the-go without water. Simply placing the tablet on the tongue and chewing allows the embedded abrasives to scrub the teeth clean. They are ideal while traveling or for a quick fix between brushings. However, dental cleaning tablets may not be as effective as a toothbrush at reaching between teeth and gumline. Over brushing with tablets could potentially cause small wounds in the mouth as well. Additionally, whitening varieties are not recommended for daily use by dental professionals to avoid enamel damage over time. Overall, dental cleaning tablets provide a balanced benefit of basic cleaning and whitening, if used sparingly as a supplement to conventional brushing.

Global Dental Cleaning Tablets Market- Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for dental cleaning tablets during the forecast period, accounting for over 35.7% of the market share in 2023. North America has dominated the dental cleaning tablets market for many years owing to strong consumer demand and industry presence. With countries, such as the U.S. and Canada, having major dental hygiene product manufacturers, the accessibility and availability of dental cleaning tablets is widespread across the region. Furthermore, increasing awareness about oral hygiene and regular dental checkups among consumers have supported the market growth. Additional factors fueling demand are the pricing and marketing strategies adopted by key players to increase penetration. Many companies offer competitive pricing and product offerings to attract more customers.
• Asia Pacific market is expected to be the second-largest market for dental cleaning tablets market, accounting for over 25.2% of the market share in 2023. Asia Pacific has emerged as the fastest growing regional market for dental cleaning tablets in recent times. Countries like India and China contribute significantly owing to rising expenditure capacity and improving standards of living. As consumers pay more attention to personal health and aesthetics, dental cleaning products are gaining popularity at a swift pace. The market is witnessing double digit growth rates annually due to growing industry presence as well. Leading global brands are entering Asia Pacific through strategic collaborations or by setting up local manufacturing units to target the burgeoning consumer base. This ensures the availability of affordable oral care products even in remote areas. E-commerce has further boosted accessibility across developing nations, removing geographical barriers. With burgeoning middle-class populations, emphasis on oral hygiene is surging in Asia Pacific. Population size, favorable policies, and growing dental tourism are attracting major investments into healthcare infrastructure and R&D. This will augment opportunities for dental cleaning tablet manufacturers over the coming years. While North America currently dominates global revenues, Asia Pacific is likely to outpace others in terms of growth due to expanding consumer reach through digital and retail channels.
• The dental cleaning tablets market in Europe is witnessing steady growth due to a heightened emphasis on oral hygiene, a growing aging population, and an increasing awareness of preventive dental care. Rising consumer preferences for convenient and effective dental cleaning solutions are fueling the demand for dental cleaning tablets in the region. With a focus on maintaining oral health becoming more pronounced, the European dental cleaning tablets market is expected to see sustained expansion in the coming years.

Figure 1. Global Dental Cleaning Tablets Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

To learn more about this report, request a free sample copy

Analyst View: The dental cleaning tablets market is expected to experience steady growth over the forecast period. Key drivers of growth include the increasing awareness about oral health and convenience of using tablets over other dental cleaning methods like brushes. Tablets offer an easy to use and mess-free alternative for cleaning teeth while on the go. Rising disposable incomes in developing countries will boost spending on oral care products. However, high sugar consumption leading to enamel erosions can negatively impact the market growth. Moreover, traditional dental cleaning methods, such as brushes and flosses, are still popular. The North America region currently dominates the market but Asia Pacific is poised to grow the fastest due to a growing middle class, improving access to dental care, and changing lifestyles. In the tablets segment, mint flavor is most popular but fruit flavors may gain increased uptake in the future. Multi-national companies face competition from local brands offering similar products at lower costs.

Manufacturers can capitalize on the opportunities by promoting tablets for their ease of use while traveling or during busy schedules. Focusing on allergen-free and natural ingredients can appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Global Dental Cleaning Tablets Market- Drivers

• Rise in oral healthcare awareness and expenditure: Increasing awareness about oral care and hygiene among individuals globally is one of the major factors promoting the growth of the dental cleaning tablets market. With rising disposable income and education levels, people are becoming more conscious about their oral health and the link between gum diseases and overall health. Regular visits to dentists along with daily oral care routines at home involving brushing, flossing, and interdental cleaning have become a norm. A survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 across various countries revealed that over 80% of respondents agreed on the importance of cleaning between the teeth every day. This signifies that there is a better understanding among masses about the various benefits of proper dental hygiene such as prevention of cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath. Additionally, ease of use and portability of dental cleaning tablets as compared to other interdental products like floss or brushes have made them quite appealing to users. Their small size allows convenient carrying and usage even while traveling. Moreover, as per a joint report by the United Nations Population Fund and Dental Tribune International published in 2022, developing regions are expected to see higher expenditure on oral care in the coming years driven mainly by factors such as urbanization and economic growth. Regions like Asia Pacific and Latin America currently account for over 60% of the global population and major dental product manufacturers are actively focusing on these emerging territories. This is anticipated to augment the penetration of innovative and effective solutions like dental cleaning tablets catering to the rising needs of oral healthcare across the globe.
• Increased prevalence of dental diseases: The increased prevalence of dental diseases across global populations is a key driver for the growth of the dental cleaning tablets market. Poor oral hygiene and lack of access to dental care has led to a rise in common dental issues like gum diseases, cavities and tooth decay. For instance, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data from 2021, oral diseases affect close to 3.52 billion people worldwide with caries of permanent teeth being the most widespread non-communicable Untreated caries in permanent teeth have increased substantially among school going children and young adults in both developing and developed nations over the last decade. The global dental cleaning tablets market offers convenience of daily oral care via small tablets that can be used on the go or while traveling. They are effective against plaque and food debris that usually get stuck in between teeth and under the gumline. The tablets not only remove surface stains but also get into deeper grooves and corners to prevent further tooth or gum damage. They are affordable and more cost effective for maintaining oral hygiene compared to pricey dental treatments required to remedy advanced stages of dental issues. A recent report by United Nations Children's Fund and WHO in 2022 found that 45% of 12 year old children already had at least one decayed tooth and majority lacked access to basic dental facilities in low and middle income nations. With rising awareness about oral healthcare and busy modern lifestyles, there is growing dependence on easy to use on-the-go oral care products like dental cleaning tablets. Market leaders are innovating with advanced formulations containing natural extracts, anti-bacterial essential oils, and remineralizing technologies to provide multi benefit action. They are marketing their products as tools for healthy teeth and prevention of myriad dental problems resulting from poor oral health. The dual global trends of increasing oral health issues and demand for convenient solutions are expected to propel sustained demand and drive further the expansion of the dental cleaning tablets market in the coming years.
• Portability and ease of use of dental tablets: Portability and ease of use of dental tablets is one of the key driving factors for the growth of the global dental cleaning tablets market. Due to fast paced lifestyles and increased mobility, there is a rising demand for convenient oral care products that can be used on-the-go. Dental tablets offer great portability as they are compact in size and lightweight compared to toothpaste and toothbrushes. Individuals can simply carry a few tablets in their wallets or bags and use them whenever required without the need of water. This makes dental tablets ideal for maintaining oral hygiene even while traveling, camping, hiking, or any outdoor activities. The ease of use of dental tablets is also a big attraction. They dissolve quickly in the mouth upon chewing and help clean teeth efficiently without the need of brushing. This helps eliminate the hassle of carrying and using a toothbrush during situations where access to water may be limited. As a result, dental tablets are gaining popularity amongst busy professionals, students and elderly population who have difficulties using regular toothbrushes. The fuss-free usage and portability has resulted in higher consumer acceptability and compliance for dental tablets. With growing health awareness and changing lifestyles, the demand for portable oral care options is expanding rapidly. According to data by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, dental visits in the U.S. reduced from 52.7% in 2019 to 49.7% in 2020 due to pandemic-related changes and safety concerns. This has accelerated the need for effective at-home oral care solutions like dental tablets. Furthermore, a 2021 survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that around 3.52 billion people globally still do not have access to basic hand washing facilities like water and soap. Such factors are expected to drive the adoption of convenient disposable products like dental tablets in the coming years.

Global Dental Cleaning Tablets Market- Opportunities

• Product innovation and new product launches Product innovation and new product launches present an immense opportunity for growth in the global dental cleaning tablets market. With rising awareness around oral hygiene and an increasing focus on preventive healthcare, consumers are showing a preference for convenient oral care products that fit easily into their daily routines. Dental cleaning tablets, which can be used like mouthwash and help freshen breath as well as gently clean teeth from stains and plaque, eliminate the need for carrying a toothbrush or paste while travelling. Their small form factor makes them ideal for on-the-go use. In the past few years, major players in the market have recognized this burgeoning demand and have been innovating extensively in terms of product variants, flavors, and formulations to cater to different consumer needs. For instance, in 2021 some brands launched dental cleaning tablets containing natural herbs and plant extracts like licorice root, neem, and cinnamon that provide additional anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits beyond regular teeth cleaning. Others have introduced baking soda-based variants that can help whiten teeth through regular use. Further, more environmentally-friendly variants packed using materials like biodegradable seaweed are gaining popularity among socially conscious customers.
• Untapped markets in developing countries: Untapped markets in developing countries present a massive opportunity for growth in the global dental cleaning tablets market. Regions like South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and parts of Africa have large populations but dental hygiene awareness and penetration of related products is still relatively low compared to developed markets. As awareness about oral healthcare increases and disposable incomes grow in the middle and poorer sections of societies in these emerging economies, demand for easy to use and affordable dental cleaning tablets is set to surge in the coming years. Several factors are contributing to increased focus on oral health even in developing regions. Governments and NGOs across many developing nations have been spending more resources on oral hygiene education campaigns in recent times, highlighting the link between poor dental care and serious medical issues. This has started impacting knowledge and attitudes positively. Furthermore, rising literacy levels, urbanization and digital/internet penetration are also improving access to dental hygiene information for common people. The COVID-19 pandemic has additionally raised consciousness about maintaining strong immunity, of which oral health is a key component. Data from World Health Organization (WHO) shows that untreated dental cavities plague over half the school children in Southeast Asia and Africa. Another WHO study published in 2021 found that 80% of adolescents in Latin America had tooth decay, a major public health issue. As more people in developing countries become aware of these threats and seek preventive solutions, the demand for trustworthy and easy to use products like dental cleaning tablets, which do not require access to piped water supply or sophisticated equipment, is bound to surpass supplies. This wide commercial opportunity with under-penetrated customer base could drive strong volume growth and new market entrants in this segment in the medium to long term.

Global Dental Cleaning Tablets Market- Trends

• Increasing demand for herbal/ayurvedic dental tablets: The demand for herbal and ayurvedic dental tablets is steadily rising globally in the last few years. More consumers are preferring natural and herbal ingredients over chemical based ones for oral care, due to rising health consciousness. Ayurveda and herbal ingredients are believed to have several additional benefits compared to conventional tablets like helping reduce bad breath, toothache and gum diseases. They are also considered more gentle and suitable for sensitive teeth. Many dental tablet manufacturers have thus started extensively researching herbal formulations and developing new product lines made of ingredients like neem, clove, cinnamon, basil etc. which are known to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties supporting oral health. For example, Dabur, one of the leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in India, launched a new range of Tulsi-based dental tablets in 2021. Their annual reports state these herbal tablets witnessed over 20% growth in sales volumes in 2021 compared to the previous year. This shift in consumer preference towards natural oral care is a major global trend impacting the dental tablet market structure and competition dynamics. Established players are diversifying into herbal/ayurvedic tablets to tap into this new demand as well as gain an edge over rivals. Many new regional and local brands focused only on herbal formulations have also emerged. The market now presents more options for consumers looking for natural solutions. Though smaller compared to global leaders for now, some of these regional ayurvedic brands are finding success and rapidly growing their customer base both within their home country and abroad through e-commerce platforms.
• Focus on R&D of tablets with unique formulations: Focus on R&D for unique tablet formulations is having a significant impact on the global dental cleaning tablet market. Manufacturers are increasing their investment in developing novel and sophisticated formulations that can deliver specialized benefits. For example, many companies are introducing tablets with targeted formulations designed to whiten teeth or treat particular oral health issues like sensitivity, gum problems, or bad breath. The core idea is to offer customized solutions through a range of differentiated products. This shift allows companies to cater to diverse consumer demands and specific oral care needs. It also helps improve customer retention as users can select the right tablet based on their requirement. The tailored formulations may include ingredients like hydrogen peroxide for whitening, calcium and other minerals for sensitivity control, antiseptics for fighting plaque build-up causing gum diseases and essential oils for fresh breath. Some manufacturers are also developing time-released variants that slowly dissolve in the mouth to provide all-day protection. The focus on specialized R&D has led to more innovators entering the market with novel offerings. This increasing competition and varied product choices have boosted the overall market scope and visibility. It is also driving higher investment cycles as companies look to continuously enhance and expand their portfolio of differentiated oral care tablets. According to data published by the Oral Health Foundation UK in 2021, around 65% of global consumers have started using specialist dental cleaning tablets introduced in the last 5 years, indicating strong demand for customized formulations.

Global Dental Cleaning Tablets Market - Restraints

• Availability of alternative oral care products: Availability of alternative oral care products is acting as a significant roadblock in the growth of the global dental cleaning tablets market. Consumers now have plenty of choices when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene. They can choose from traditional toothpaste, mouthwashes, dental flosses, tongue cleaners, and electric toothbrushes. Many of these alternative products are backed by strong brands and are widely accepted by customers. Toothpaste in particular is a tough competitor for dental cleaning tablets as it has been used by people for over a century now and customers are well accustomed to it. Toothpaste offers simultaneous cleaning and protection against cavities in a very economical packaged form. The widespread availability of toothpaste in various flavors and formulations at affordable price points makes it a popular choice. Moreover, electric toothbrushes have gained immense popularity over the last few years. According to a report by WHO, electric toothbrush sales grew by over 8% from 2020 to 2021 globally. Electric toothbrushes provide superior cleaning compared to manual brushes and tablets as they have rotating or oscillating brush heads. Many high-end electric toothbrush models also offer features like timers and QUAD pacing to ensure customers brush for the recommended duration and with right technique. Proliferation of affordable electric toothbrush options from Chinese manufacturers have made them accessible to mass consumers. As per another study by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 60% of US population now owns an electric toothbrush. Rising awareness about their effectiveness in preventing gum diseases and oral health is driving strong demand for electric toothbrushes. Given the availability of these dental care products, customers now have alternative choices that offer similar or even better results than tablets for oral hygiene maintenance. Hence, the global dental cleaning tablets market is losing potential customers to substitute offerings which impacts its growth prospects. Though tablets offer a travelling-friendly solution, strong branding and innovative features of electric brushes and lower cost dental pastes deter sales volume growth of this market.
• Low adoption rate in developing countries: The low adoption rate of dental cleaning tablets in developing countries is significantly restraining the growth of the global market. Many developing nations have limited access to modern dental care facilities and resources. Poor oral health awareness coupled with lack of knowledge about innovative dental products like cleaning tablets is a major challenge. This has restricted the penetration of such convenient oral care solutions in vast rural and underprivileged sections of society in developing regions. Moreover, the high price point of dental cleaning tablets poses an affordability issue for the low and middle-income population who form the majority in developing countries. As per World Bank data from 2021, around 30-40% of populations in African and South Asian nations live below the international poverty line of $1.90 per day. For them, spending on basic necessities takes priority over advanced oral healthcare products. This price sensitivity has discouraged widespread adoption, especially in remote areas where malnutrition and diseases continue to be widespread as per WHO country reports from 2022. Furthermore, inconsistent availability and supply chain limitations in smaller towns and villages of developing nations make regular access to dental cleaning tablets difficult. Several studies by non-profits like Oral Health Foundation and Dental Professionals Without Borders have highlighted poor dental infrastructure and limited presence of retail pharmacies or modern stores which can stock such items in many developing economies. This hampers familiarizing the benefits of tablets among rural consumers and restricts their ability to regularly use them as part of daily oral care routines. Unless these deeper socio-economic barriers are addressed, the growth potential of this market segment will remain untapped in large developing regions.

Figure 2. Global Dental Cleaning Tablets Market Share (%), By Product Type, 2023

To learn more about this report, request a free sample copy

Global Dental Cleaning Tablets Market- Recent Developments

Key Developments

• On April 10, 2023, XODENT, a dental hygiene company, launched an all-in-one denture cleaning kit solution. The kit is perfect for any denture-wearers including those with full dentures, partial dentures, mouthguards, and retainers.

Top Companies in the Global Dental Cleaning Tablets Market

• Polident
• Efferdent
• Retainer Brite
• Steraligner
• Kukident
• SonicBrite
• Ultrasonic Retainer Cleaner
• Apex Dental Products
• Dr Fresh Dental

Definition: Dental cleaning tablets are specially formulated tablets used to clean and maintain various oral appliances such as dentures, retainers, mouthguards, night guards, and other removable dental devices. These tablets typically consist of active ingredients that dissolve when added to water, creating a cleaning solution.