The oral mucosa is a versatile surface for drug administration, supporting both local
and systemic therapies. Many active substances are effectively absorbed in the oral
cavity, offering an alternative to enteral administration by bypassing the harsh gastrointestinal
environment and hepatic first-pass metabolism. This has made oral mucosal drug delivery
a growing area of research. Enhancing the bioavailability of active ingredients is
a key focus in pharmaceutical technology, especially given the challenges of developing
new drugs. Numerous strategies to improve bioavailability are compatible with oral
mucosal delivery, with the unique anatomy of the oral cavity enabling specialized
applications. A variety of dosage forms tailored for oral mucosal delivery meet therapeutic
needs while addressing biopharmaceutical and patient compliance challenges. Proper
formulation can achieve controlled release, improved bioavailability, and patient
convenience. This review highlights the potential of oral mucosal drug delivery, focusing
on bioavailability enhancement methods and the types and production technologies of
dosage forms optimized for use in the oral cavity.
