The human dental system is comprised of teeth, gum and oral cavity structures. The purpose of the dental system is to break down food to prepare it for digestion. 

 

The endocannabinoid system interacts with the dental system, via cannabinoid (CB) receptors which are located throughout the gums, tongue, salivary glands and oral cavity, to affect the development of certain dental conditions, such as periodontal disease and submandibular gland inflammation. 

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Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown early promise in the adjunctive management of several common dental diseases in the reduction of inflammatory response in both animal and clinical studies. As a result, the following dental conditions are currently being researched by scientists exploring the link between reported improvements in these conditions after the adjunctive use of CBD, along with standard oral care. 

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• Periodontal Disease is gum disease and generally occurs secondary to certain behaviors that increase the incidence of this condition including poor oral hygiene, cigarette smoking and oral tobacco use. As an adjunctive treatment to oral rinsing and improved dental hygiene, research suggests CBD may help to alleviate discomfort associated with periodontal disease and may reduce associated inflammatory processes. 

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• Submandibular Gland Inflammation (painful and/or swollen submandibular glands) is often associated with dehydration, poor oral health and chronic inflammatory disorders. Scientists are researching how the potential pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD can be used to improve the symptoms of dental disorders like submandibular gland inflammation. This includes how the adjunctive use of CBD along with standard care may be warranted given research outcomes.  

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• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders is an umbrella term covering pain and dysfunction of the muscles of mastication (the muscles that move the jaw) and the temporomandibular joints (the joints which connect the mandible to the skull). Causes of TMJ disorders include injury to the teeth or jaw, misalignment of the teeth or jaw, teeth grinding or clenching, stress, arthritis, excessive gum chewing and/or an underlying connective tissue disorder like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Research suggests CBD may help to alleviate the discomfort associated with TMJ disorders and may reduce the associated chronic pain.

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