Medical marijuana has “promising therapeutic potential” in dentistry—including for treating conditions like orofacial pain, refractory periodontal diseases and burning mouth syndrome—according to a new scientific review.
“Integrating cannabinoids into dental practice represents a significant path toward improving clinical outcomes and enhancing patients’ quality of life during treatments,” the paper, written by Brazilian researchers with the Health Department of the Federal District, School of Public Health of the Federal District and Higher Education Institute of Brasília, said.
The review, which involved an analysis of 59 previously published studies, generally found “theoretical and scientific support on the potential therapeutic uses of medicinal cannabis in dentistry.”
One study that the authors looked at concluded that cannabinoids have a “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, published in Fitos Journal, noted that endocannabinoid receptors have been “identified throughout the oral cavity, including
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