Scientific Review Says Cannabinoids Could Ease Dental Pain And Periodontal Disease

Review Finds Therapeutic Potential

A new scientific review by Brazilian researchers says medical marijuana has “promising therapeutic potential” in dentistry, including for treating conditions like orofacial pain, refractory periodontal diseases and burning mouth syndrome. The paper was written by researchers with the Health Department of the Federal District, the School of Public Health of the Federal District and the Higher Education Institute of Brasília.

The review, published in Fitos Journal, involved an analysis of 59 previously published studies. It generally found “theoretical and scientific support on the potential therapeutic uses of medicinal cannabis in dentistry.”

“Integrating cannabinoids into dental practice represents a significant path toward improving clinical outcomes and enhancing patients’ quality of life during treatments,” the paper said.

Pain Relief And Oral Receptors

One study that the authors looked at concluded that cannabinoids “have a therapeutic effect in reducing pain perception,” especially for trigeminal neuralgia, persistent idiopathic facial pain, burning mouth syndrome and post-herpetic neuralgia.

“Orofacial pain,” the new review said, “is among the most common conditions in dental care, and the use of cannabis appears to be an important ally in treating these discomforts, potentially enhancing the action of medications already used in these treatments or even replacing them.”

The paper noted that endocannabinoid receptors have been “identified throughout the oral cavity, including the oral mucosa, dental pulp, periodontal tissues, salivary glands, and temporomandibular joints.”

Activating those receptors could provide targeted pain relief and reduction of inflammation, as well as antimicrobial effects, the authors said.

Scope Of The Review

The review examined previously published research on the potential therapeutic uses of medicinal cannabis in dentistry. The authors reported that the studies analyzed offered theoretical and scientific support for cannabinoids as a subject of further dental research.

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