Tongue Depressors Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Material Type (Wooden Tongue Depressors, Metal Tongue Depressors, and Plastic Tongue Depressors), By Sterility (Sterile and Non-Sterile), By Usage (Disposable and Reusable), By Type (Flavored and Unflavored), By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Academic & Research Institutes, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Tongue depressors, also known as spatulas, are employed during clinical examinations to depress the tongue, enabling clear views of the throat and mouth. Tongue depressors are made up of three materials: such as wooden, metal, and plastic. They are available in different sizes for adults and children. Some of the tongue depressors are flavored ones that are specially designed for children. Furthermore, some tongue depressors are disposable, i.e., single-time use, while some are reusable and can be used after sterilization. In the medical industry, they are widely used in hospitals and clinics for oral and throat examinations.

In addition, the growth of the tongue depressors market is mainly driven by the increasing demand in the healthcare sector, particularly for medical examinations in areas such as oral health, pediatrics, and ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialties.

Moreover, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities globally necessitate the utilization of tongue depressors for regular check-ups, throat examinations, and medical procedures, driving sustained demand and market growth. Also, the increasing incidence of oral diseases and throat infections across the globe is another additional factor responsible for the market growth.

• For instance, as per the data provided by the World Health Organization in March 2023, oral diseases affected nearly 3.5 million people globally, with 3 out of 4 people living in middle-income countries.


• Similarly, as per the data provided by the eClinicalMedicine in May 2022, an estimated 288.6 million episodes of Strep A sore throat occur amongst children (5–14 years) each year globally, accounting for more than 100,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Furthermore, it is projected that one in three children experience one or more episodes of sore throat over 12 months.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the global market for tongue depressors in 2020. Although the COVID-19 infection was associated with throat infections, the tongue depressors were not used in the testing. Instead, nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) swabs were used in the COVID testing. The market experienced a negative impact, and it was mainly due to the increased focus on hygiene and infection control during the pandemic, leading to a preference for these swabs over tongue depressors.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The following key insights are covered in the report:

• Key Industry Developments - Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships


• New Product Launches by Key Players


• Prevalence of Key Diseases by Key Regions/Countries


• Technological Advancements in Tongue Depressors


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Tongue Depressors Market

Analysis by Material Type

Based on the material type, the market can be segmented into wooden tongue depressors, metal tongue depressors, and plastic tongue depressors.

The wooden tongue depressors segment held a substantial market share in 2023. The wooden tongue depressors are biodegradable, affordable, and eco-friendlier than the plastic tongues. This is one of the factors contributing to the segmental growth. Also, the increasing research activities for the development of technologically advanced wooden tongue depressors is another additional factor contributing to the segment’s growth.

• For instance, as per the data provided by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in April 2023, the researchers of the American Chemical Society developed a technologically advanced wooden tongue depressor that measures vitals such as glucose and nitrile levels in the saliva.

The metal tongue depressors segment accounted for a significant market share in 2023. The rising adoption of stainless steel tongue depressors is driven by their durability and sustainability and the increasing need for superior medical instruments globally in healthcare settings.

Furthermore, the plastic tongue depressors segment held a considerable market share in 2023, mainly because they are sterile and do not require sterilization before use, making them more hygienic than wooden depressors.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global tongue depressors market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for a significant market share in 2023 and is expected to exhibit significant CAGR throughout the forecast period. The region's highest growth is largely attributed to the presence of tongue depressor manufacturers.

• For example, AliMed, Inc. and Puritan Medical Products are some of the major players operating in the tongue depressors market and are involved in providing tongue depressors across the U.S.

Moreover, increasing incidences of throat infection necessitate tongue depressors for effective diagnosis, leading to regional growth throughout the forecast period.

• For instance, as per the data provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), as of January 2024, the PHAC received over 4,600 samples of invasive group A streptococcus since 2023. This marked the highest annual total ever documented in Canada, reflecting a more than 40% rise compared to the previous peak of 3,236 samples in 2019. As per the PHAC, invasive group A streptococcus is endemic in the country, with 2,000 to 3,000 cases reported annually in recent years.

Furthermore, Europe accounted for a considerable market share in 2023, driven by its thriving healthcare business, encompassing clinics, hospitals, and dental offices, which sustains a strong demand for tongue depressors. Healthcare professionals in Europe prioritize using tongue depressors for precise oral examinations, diagnosis, and therapies, contributing to the ongoing necessity for this essential medical tool.  

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players, such as B. Braun SE, Puritan Medical Products, DTR Medical Ltd, AliMed, Inc., and AdvaCare Pharma.

Key Industry Developments

• In December 2023, researchers at the University of Athens developed a wooden tongue depressor with biosensing capabilities that can identify multiple saliva biomarkers.


• In April 2023, the scientists of the American Chemical Society developed a technologically advanced wooden tongue depressor for measuring glucose and nitrile levels in saliva.


• In September 2019, the Peking University of China scientists developed a tongue depressor-based biosensor to detect glucose in human saliva.


• In May 2017, Holland Healthcare Inc. introduced McKnights, a lighted tongue depressor in the market. In addition to investigating mouth sores, this product can help in oral cancer screening.