Systematic review finds early evidence that CBD may help with oral pain and inflammation | Research

The takeaway

A systematic review of seven clinical studies found that topical and intraoral CBD formulations showed benefits for dental pain, gum inflammation, and mouth sores, with no serious side effects reported.

People interested in CBD for dental or oral health issues, and dental professionals following cannabinoid research.

7 clinical studies all showed positive signals for CBD in oral disorders with no serious adverse effects

What the researchers found

Across six RCTs and one non-randomized trial, topical and intraoral CBD reduced pain, muscle tension, gingival inflammation, bacterial load, and aphthous ulcer symptoms, with no serious adverse effects. However, heterogeneity across studies prevented meta-analysis.

Why it matters

Dental pain and oral inflammation affect millions of people, yet current treatments often rely on NSAIDs or opioids with significant side effect profiles. CBD applied directly to the mouth could offer a localized, low-risk alternative if validated by larger trials.

The numbers in context

4,093 records screened, 7 studies included (6 RCTs, 1 non-randomized). CBD formulations were applied topically or intraorally. Benefits observed across pain, muscle tension, gingival inflammation, bacterial load, and aphthous ulcer symptoms.

How the study worked

Researchers followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and searched five databases. From 4,093 records, seven clinical studies met inclusion criteria: six randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized study evaluating CBD effects on various oral disorders.

What this study cannot tell us

Only seven studies qualified, with varying CBD dosages, formulations, and follow-up durations that prevented direct comparison or meta-analysis. Most studies had small sample sizes. Long-term safety data for oral CBD products are lacking.

How to read the evidence

Systematic review of clinical studies, but only 7 met inclusion criteria, with high heterogeneity preventing meta-analysis.

When this study was published

Published in 2025, with database searches through July 2024.

The bigger picture

The included studies covered a range of oral conditions, which makes the consistent positive signal across different applications noteworthy. However, the small number of studies, varying dosages, different formulations, and inconsistent outcome measures mean the evidence base is still in its infancy.

Questions still open

What is the optimal CBD concentration and formulation for oral applications? How does topical oral CBD compare to standard dental analgesics in head-to-head trials? Would benefits persist with longer-term use?

Common questions

What types of oral problems did CBD help with?

The studies found benefits for orofacial pain, jaw muscle tension, gum inflammation, oral bacteria, and canker sore (aphthous ulcer) symptoms.

How was CBD applied in these studies?

CBD was used in topical or intraoral formulations applied directly to the mouth, rather than taken as oral capsules or tinctures.

Were there any side effects?

No serious adverse effects were reported across any of the seven included studies.

Read the original research

Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol in oral disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence.

Journal of the American Dental Association (1939), 156(10), 838-850.e2

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

de Abreu, Lukas Mendes; Biancardi, Mariel Ruivo; Di Benedetto, Michele; Sanches, Raquel Molina; Cardoso, Camila Lopes; Rubira, Cássia Maria Fischer; Rubira-Bullen, Izabel Regina Fischer. (2025). Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol in oral disorders: A systematic review of clinical evidence.. Journal of the American Dental Association (1939), 156(10), 838-850.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2025.07.021