Toothpick Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Wood, Bamboo, Plastic, and Others), By Application (Residential and Commercial), By Distribution Channel (Supermarket/Hypermarket, Pharmacy, Online/E-Commerce, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global toothpick market size was valued at USD 0.63 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 0.65 billion in 2024 to USD 0.86 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.50% during the forecast period of 2024-2032.

Toothpicks are sharp or pointed sticks designed to remove food bits from teeth. This product for cleaning teeth is developed using various materials such as plastic, bamboo, metal, and wood. Numerous individuals worldwide have incorporated the product into their everyday oral hygiene routine as it is an affordable and simple tool promoting oral health. They help prevent bacterial growth and remove plaque between teeth. In this respect, the rising consumer consciousness regarding oral hygiene drives market growth. Oral picks are also highly used in food presentation and for holding various appetizers, further increasing their demand in the food service industry and supporting global market expansion.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVER

Rising Awareness Regarding Hygiene & Oral Health to Fuel Market Growth

Consumer knowledge regarding the significance of oral hygiene is increasing worldwide through public health programs, campaigns, and media, contributing to global market expansion. Maintaining dental hygiene assists in preventing problems such as gum infections, cavities, and tooth erosion. As a result, more individuals are increasingly adopting oral care products, including dental picks, to prevent these issues. In addition, numerous individuals worldwide having oral problems increase consciousness regarding the importance of oral care and trigger product sales. For instance, according to the 2022 global oral health status report by the World Health Organization, a Switzerland-based intergovernmental organization, around 3.5 billion individuals across countries have oral diseases.

MARKET RESTRAINT

Risks Associated with Toothpicks to Impede Product Adoption

Numerous individuals do not consider dental picks as a safe choice as they can cause harm to the user’s gums and teeth. Although the product is cost-effective and convenient, its sharp end can injure the tongue, palate, or gums. It can also increase the risk of infection if put deep into the gums. Moreover, excessive use of the product may lead to tooth movement and damage dental fillings. Oral picks are fragile products that can easily break between the user’s teeth and lodge in gums. As a result, numerous dentists worldwide do not recommend their use, which negatively impacts sales.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Products to Provide Growth Opportunities

In recent years, there has been rapid growth in sustainability trends and demand for environmentally friendly products globally. Industry participants take advantage of these global market opportunities and develop eco-friendly oral picks using sustainable materials, including bioplastics, bamboo, wheat straw, and cornstarch. The strategy assists market players in appealing to eco-conscious consumers and escalating product sales. These biodegradable dental picks effectively clean teeth and promote oral health. Moreover, these natural products are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic materials, making them safe for users. Furthermore, sustainable oral picks do not contribute to landfill waste or pollution, fueling the global toothpick market growth.

MARKET CHALLENGE

Availability of Alternative Products to Impede Market Growth

The easy availability of alternative products impedes the demand for dental picks and hampers market growth. Numerous individuals prefer products such as dental floss, water flossers, or interdental brushes, which clean the mouth more effectively. Dental floss cleans narrow areas and is preferred for sensitive gums. Water flossers also remove plaque or dirt easily and are suitable for individuals with implants or braces. Moreover, the crisscross bristles of interdental brushes can remove food particles without damage the gums. These benefits of substitute products are increasing consumer interest, which can negatively influence oral pick sales.

MARKET TREND

Increasing Product Innovation to Accelerate Product Sales

Prominent industry participants such as Flavor Forest and Desert Essence, are emphasizing on developing innovative oral picks in multiple flavors to enhance the user experience. Flavors such as mint, cinnamon, citrus, menthol, and whiskey are popular in oral picks. These unique and strong-flavored dental picks are designed to provide a refreshing experience and are highly used as a breath freshener. Furthermore, nicotine toothpicks infused with nicotine solutions are gaining popularity among consumers as a substitute for smoking, promoting oral health while assisting individuals quit smoking. Companies such as Pixotine Products and Zippix prioritize developing these dental picks to accelerate sales.

IMPACT OF COVID-19

The coronavirus crisis negatively impacted the dental pick industry's expansion. The unprecedented pandemic resulted in an interim halt in manufacturing activities across countries. Moreover, physical retail outlets were closed due to lockdowns aimed at restraining the spread of the virus. These factors affected oral picks production and sales, notably in 2020. Government regulations also led to the shutdown of numerous restaurants and hotels worldwide, which further decreased product sales. Nevertheless, the market began to recover gradually in 2021 as dental stick adoption fueled through online channels.

SEGMENTATION

By Material Analysis

Wood Segment to Dominate due to Increasing Demand for Natural Products

Based on material, the market is segmented into wood, bamboo, plastic, and others.

The wood segment will lead the market throughout the forecast timeframe. Wood toothpicks are widely used for personal use and across food service chains for food presentation as they are biodegradable and natural.  Moreover, these picks are less likely to damage user’s teeth compared to metal or plastic counterparts, which fuels their adoption.

The bamboo-segment will grow at the highest CAGR in the coming years, driven by the growing emphasis on sustainable products. In addition, bamboo is a cost-efficient and abundant resource, making it a preferred choice for developing dental picks among manufacturers. The material’s anti-bacterial properties also prevent bacterial growth on teeth, further escalating product sales.

By Application Analysis

Commercial Segment Led due to Rising Product Use Across Food Service Industry

Based on application, the market is bifurcated into residential and commercial.

The commercial segment dominated the market in 2023. Dental picks are highly used across cafes, restaurants, bars, and hotels for holding small appetizers, including cheeseballs, mini sandwiches, and olives. They are also utilized in multiple ways, such as cocktail sticks, cake toppers, or small paper flags for food presentation in these establishments. Furthermore, several restaurants provide the product on tables as a post-meal teeth cleaning product for customers, supporting commercial segment expansion.

The residential segment growth is backed by rising product demand for dental hygiene in households. Numerous individuals use the product daily to maintain hygiene, which boosts their sales.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Supermarket/Hypermarket Segment Lead due to Easy Accessibility & Wide Offering

Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into supermarkets/hypermarkets, pharmacies, online/e-commerce, and others. 

The supermarket/hypermarket segment holds the largest global toothpick market share. The easy accessibility of supermarkets/hypermarkets and their wide personal care product selection, including dental sticks from various local and global brands, make them appealing shopping destinations. In addition, they offer loyalty rewards and promotional discounts, further escalating the segment’s growth.

The online/e-commerce segment will grow at the highest rate in the forthcoming years. Online shopping saves customer’s time and assists them to easily compare costs of various dental picks. Moreover, online marketplaces offer product recommendations, suggestions, and reviews which further fuels consumer interest.  

TOOTHPICK MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

Based on geography, the market is studied across Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific dominates the global market, benefitting from growing consumer consciousness regarding the significance of personal hygiene for preventing illness. Numerous well-established associations and organizations, including the Asia Pacific Association for Dental & Oral Health, the Japan Dental Association, and the China Oral Care Industry Association, promote oral hygiene in the region, which will drive product sales in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, using dental sticks has been an after-meal ritual throughout Asian countries such as Japan, China, and India which significantly triggers regional growth.

North America held the second-largest market share in 2023, favored by the rapidly growing dining-out culture across the region, which boosts product demand throughout restaurants and cafes for food plating and decoration. In addition, rising awareness regarding the prevalence of problems such as oral cavity and mouth cancer in the U.S. is driving demand for products that maintain oral hygiene, such as dental picks. For instance, the American Cancer Society, a U.S.-based non-profit organization emphasizing eliminating cancer, estimates that around 58,450 cases of throat and oral cavity cancer will be identified in the country in 2024.

The European market growth is triggered by an escalating sustainability trend, which fuels the adoption of bamboo toothpicks. Moreover, the aging population across European countries, which faces an increased risk of dental issues, accelerates regional expansion.

The increasing instances of gum diseases and tooth infections have resulted in individuals prioritizing oral care in South America. Moreover, the increasing development of innovative oral picks in various flavors that promote fresh breath and healthy teeth boosts South American market growth.

The rapidly growing food service industry in the Middle East & Africa will support product sales for food decoration in the region. Furthermore, increasing consumer spending on personal care due to rising income levels boosts regional expansion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Developing Products in Various Materials & Expanding Distribution Channels to Increase Sales

Reputed industry participants are emphasizing on developing oral picks in various materials, including metal, wood, and plastic, to fulfill the requirements of numerous end users. In recent years, the demand for environmentally friendly products has increased considerably. In this respect, market players can prioritize developing the product using eco-friendly materials such as wheat straw, bamboo, and cornstarch. In addition, manufacturers are offering dental picks through multiple sales channels, including e-commerce, company-owned websites, medical stores, and convenience stores, to gain a competitive advantage.

MAJOR PLAYERS PROFILED IN THE TOOTHPICK MARKET

TePe Oral Hygiene Products Ltd, Jordan, Panda Bambu, Daneson Ltd, and Bluem are the largest players in the market. The global market is highly fragmented, with the top 5 players accounting for around 8% of the market share.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED IN THIS REPORT:

• TePe Oral Hygiene Products Ltd (U.K.)


• Jordan (Scandinavia)


• Panda Bambu (China)


• Daneson Ltd (Canada)


• Bluem (U.K.)


• Astir IKE (Greece)


• Paras Corporation (India)


• Teepee Brush Manufacturers Ltd. (Kenya)


• The Humble Co. (Sweden)


• Curaprox (Switzerland)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2019 – Ignite International, Ltd, a Los Angeles, U.S.-based vape device company, expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of CBD-infused toothpicks. These products are available for purchase on the company’s website.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed global market analysis and focuses on significant aspects, such as competition landscape, regional analysis, material, application, and distribution channel. Besides this, it offers insights into various global market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, the report encompasses several other factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation