A narrative review found cannabinoids have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties relevant to dentistry, but standardized protocols and clinical trial evidence are largely absent.
Dentists, oral pain specialists, patients seeking alternatives to dental opioids
Cannabinoids show dental pain potential but lack clinical trials and protocols
What the researchers found
Cannabinoids show potential for treating orofacial pain, TMJ disorders, bruxism, and dental anxiety. However, integration into dental practice is limited by absent treatment protocols, insufficient clinical evidence, side effects like dry mouth, and unclear legal frameworks.
Why it matters
Dental pain management relies heavily on opioids and NSAIDs, both with significant drawbacks. If cannabinoids prove effective for dental conditions, they could offer an important alternative.
The numbers in context
Review covers applications in orofacial neuropathic pain, TMJ disorders, myofascial pain dysfunction, bruxism, and obstructive sleep apnea. Side effects include xerostomia and periodontal disease susceptibility.
How the study worked
Narrative review examining current and potential applications of cannabinoids (THC and CBD) in dentistry, including therapeutic benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations.
What this study cannot tell us
Narrative review without systematic methodology. Most evidence is preclinical or from other pain conditions. No dental-specific clinical trials cited. Cannabis side effects like dry mouth could worsen dental health.
How to read the evidence
Narrative review based on limited clinical evidence; most dental applications are theoretical rather than proven.
When this study was published
2025 review of cannabinoid applications in dentistry.
The bigger picture
Dentistry is one of the medical fields most affected by the opioid crisis, as dental procedures are a common entry point for opioid prescriptions. Effective cannabinoid alternatives could reduce this pathway.
Questions still open
- Could topical cannabinoid formulations work for dental pain without systemic effects? How do the dental side effects of cannabis compare to those of current pain medications? What clinical trials are needed?
Common questions
Can cannabis help with dental pain?
Are there downsides to using cannabis for dental health?
Read the original research
Cannabis: What We Use, Why It Matters, and When It Is Prescribed (Ethics, Policy, and Practice).
Cureus, 17(7), e89073
Citation
Mistry, Laresh N; Neelkanthan, Shreyas; More, Saudamini; Agarwal, Sumeet; Jaiswal, Himmat; Sharma, Vivek. (2025). Cannabis: What We Use, Why It Matters, and When It Is Prescribed (Ethics, Policy, and Practice).. Cureus, 17(7), e89073. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.89073
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