US Dental Fluoride Treatment Market Analysis

US Dental Fluoride Treatment Market Executive Summary

The US Dental Fluoride Treatment Market is at around $6,370.2 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $7,267.3 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 1.9% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Dental hygienists and dentists professionally apply high-concentration fluoride products to teeth in order to build enamel and prevent tooth decay. This procedure is known as a dental fluoride treatment. During routine dental appointments, they are usually applied as a gel, foam, varnish, or solution. Fluoride fortifies enamel and increases teeth's resistance to bacterial acid attacks by enhancing the absorption of minerals like calcium and phosphate. It also inhibits the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, slowing or stopping their destructive effects. Fluoride is a valuable tool in the fight against tooth decay and enamel deterioration.

Irritation, allergic reactions, and transient discolouration are possible adverse effects. Fluorosis can result from excessive consumption, especially in young infants. However, because over-the-counter drugs have modest concentrations, it is difficult to reach harmful amounts. Supplement acute poisoning can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, and in extreme circumstances, even death.

The prevalence of dental fluorosis in US is estimated to be between 16% and 60% and approximately 76% of Canadian population receive fluorinated water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 23% of Americans aged 6-49 have dental fluorosis, approximately 2% of Americans have moderate fluorosis, and less than 1% have severe fluorosis. The vast majority of cases are very mild to mild. The market therefore is driven by significant factors like growing prevalence of dental caries coupled with increasing awareness regarding oral health and hygiene, increasing the intake of sugary drinks and food, cosmetic dentistry boom, technological advancements etc.

Some of the major players operating in the Procter & Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, Unilever, 3M and Ultradent Products among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

High prevalence: The United States has a significant prevalence of dental fluorosis, creating a substantial potential market for treatments. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 23% of Americans aged 6-49 have some form of dental fluorosis. This high prevalence rate provides a large patient base for potential treatments. Moreover, the prevalence is even higher among adolescents, suggesting a growing market as these individuals become more conscious of their dental aesthetics and gain the financial means to seek treatment.

Dental tourism destination: Certain US cities, particularly those along the borders or in popular tourist destinations, have become hubs for dental tourism. Patients from countries with less advanced dental care or higher treatment costs may travel to the US for fluorosis treatments, especially when combined with other dental procedures or vacation plans. This influx of international patients can expand the market beyond the domestic population, encouraging US dental practices to offer competitive, high-quality fluorosis treatments to attract this global clientele.

Research funding and innovation: The US benefits from significant public and private funding for dental research. Institutions like the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) and various universities conduct extensive research into dental conditions and treatments. This research environment drives innovation in fluorosis treatments, potentially leading to more effective, less invasive, or more affordable solutions. As new treatments are developed and validated, they can quickly enter the market, offering patients more options and potentially expanding the treatable patient population.

Market Restraints

Uneven healthcare access: Unlike countries with universal healthcare systems, the US has significant disparities in healthcare access. This unevenness extends to dental care, creating a major restraint for the fluorosis treatment market. Many Americans lack dental insurance or have limited coverage, making it difficult to afford elective treatments like those for mild to moderate fluorosis. This disparity in access can significantly limit the potential market size, particularly among lower-income populations who may have a higher prevalence of fluorosis due to environmental factors.

High treatment costs: The cost of dental care in the US is generally higher compared to many other countries. Advanced fluorosis treatments, especially those involving cosmetic procedures like veneers or extensive enamel microabrasion, can be particularly expensive. These high costs can be a significant barrier for many patients, even those with dental insurance, as cosmetic procedures are often not covered or only partially covered. The out-of-pocket expenses can deter many individuals from seeking treatment, especially for mild cases that don't significantly impact oral health.

Limited public dental coverage: Unlike some countries where dental care is included in national health programs, the US Medicare program doesn't cover most dental procedures for seniors. Medicaid coverage for dental care varies significantly by state, with many states offering only limited or emergency dental services for adults. This lack of comprehensive public dental coverage means that a large portion of the population, particularly older adults and low-income individuals, may not have access to fluorosis treatments, significantly limiting the market potential.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

In the United States, the regulatory body for pharmaceuticals is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is responsible for evaluating and approving new drugs for sale in the country. The FDA has separate regulatory pathways and centers for drugs, biologics, and devices, with different user fees, evidentiary and manufacturing standards.

The pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement system in the US involves both public and private payers. Public payers include federal and state government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, while private payers include private insurance companies, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and health systems. Reimbursement decisions by payers often involve considerations like comparative effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and real-world evidence of outcomes. Payers may use tools like formulary placement, prior authorization, and step therapy to manage access and costs for pharmaceutical products.

Dental care in the US is regulated at the state level, with each state having its own dental regulatory board or commission. The reimbursement system for dental services is primarily private-based, with most dental care covered through private dental insurance plans. Public dental coverage is limited, primarily through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for low-income individuals and children. Dental consumables used by dentists would generally fall under the same regulatory and reimbursement frameworks as other dental services and products.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the US Dental Fluoride Treatment Market:

• Colgate Palmolive
• Koninklijke Philips
• Procter & Gamble
• Unilever
• 3M
• Ultradent Products
• Church & Dwight
• Dentsply Sirona
• CloSYS
• Supersmile