The market research firm expects sales to climb 11 per cent annually through to 2012. Dental product demand reached 12.75bn Yuan (€1.44bn) in 2007 so according to the forecast from Freedonia, the market should top 21.5bn Yuan by 2012.

Rising income levels are expected to play an important role but government programs to increase awareness of oral health are also likely boost demand.

Nevertheless, Freedonia is predicting a slight slowdown on the heady average growth rate of 16 per cent that was enjoyed between 2002 and 2007.

Predictions for the consumer segment

In the consumer segment, toothpaste dominates with a 90 per cent share of the market, but looking ahead, the highest growth is expected to come from niches areas such as whitening products, floss and dentures.

Sales of these lower volume products are tipped to grow by more than 15 per cent annually through to 2012.

High professional growth exected

Consumer dental products currently account for three quarters of the Chinese market and while professional products lag behind, Freedonia expects them to play catch up in the years ahead.

The researchers said demand should rise by over 14 per cent a year spurred on by an increasing number of visits to the dentist. Cosmetic procedures are also tipped to take off as well-healed consumers move beyond basic restore and repair procedures.