CBD in Dentistry

Exploring its Potential for Pain and Anxiety Management
Cannabidiol (CBD) has attracted interest for its potential therapeutic benefits in various medical fields, including dentistry. As a non-psychoactive compound derived from the Cannabis plant, CBD has shown promise in managing dental pain and anxiety. This article explores the potential benefits of CBD in dental care

Pain Management:
Dental pain can deter patients from seeking necessary care, leading to untreated dental issues and long-term consequences. Traditional pain management methods, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, can have undesirable side effects and may not always provide adequate relief. Research in the European Journal of Oral Sciences indicates that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, potentially offering relief from dental pain[1]. CBD’s pain-relieving effects may stem from its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain perception. By modulating pain signaling and reducing inflammation, CBD could help make dental procedures more comfortable for patients and improve treatment outcomes.

Anxiety Reduction:
Dental anxiety is prevalent, with up to 36% of the population experiencing dental fear[2]. This anxiety can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and poor dental health. Traditional methods for managing dental anxiety, such as sedation and behavioral therapy, can be time-consuming and may not work for all patients. A review in the journal CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets found that CBD has anxiolytic effects, potentially reducing dental visit-related anxiety[3]. CBD is believed to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, which play a crucial role in mood regulation and anxiety. By modulating serotonin signaling, CBD may help to alleviate dental anxiety and encourage patients to seek and maintain regular dental care.

Conclusion:
CBD may provide an alternative to traditional pain and anxiety management in dentistry. As research continues and CBD is integrated into dental care, patients could experience reduced pain and anxiety during procedures, promoting better oral health. Dental professionals and patients should discuss CBD usage and potential medication interactions before incorporating it into dental care routines.

Sources:
[1] De Gregorio, D., McLaughlin, R., Posa, L., Ochoa-Sanchez, R., Enns, J., Lopez-Canul, M., Aboud, M., Maione, S., Comai, S., & Gobbi, G. (2019). Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. European Journal of Oral Sciences, 127(1), 12-20.

[2] Armfield, J. M. (2010). How do we measure dental fear and what are we measuring anyway? Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry, 8(2), 107-115.

[3] Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets, 13(6), 953-960.