CBD Oil for Tooth Pain: How It Works, Uses, Best Products

Did you know CBD (cannabidiol) oil has powerful pain-relieving properties?

That makes CBD an excellent natural remedy for oral health issues like toothache, swollen gums, and tooth sensitivity.  

But how does CBD oil ease tooth pain? 

And how do you use it? 

We’ll answer all your questions about CBD oil for tooth pain, including the best CBD products to try. 

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CBD Oil for Tooth Pain: How Does it Work?

There are two ways CBD can relieve tooth pain: 

• Analgesic properties: CBD can decrease the severity of nerve pain. When dental tissues are harmed, the damaged nerves become overly sensitive. CBD relieves nerve pain by reducing nerve sensitivity.     
• Anti inflammatory properties: Several forms of dental issues cause inflammation. CBD’s anti inflammatory effects not only help alleviate pain but can also help prevent certain dental conditions such as gum disease. 

Okay, but how do these properties come into play?

CBD alleviates pain and inflammation by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

What’s the ECS?

The endocannabinoid system is a network of endocannabinoids (a type of neurotransmitter) found in your body, brain, and immune cells that’s responsible for maintaining overall harmony.   

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8 CBD Uses for Dental Pain

Some specific cases where CBD can treat dental pain include:    

1. Toothache

Toothache, or dental pulpitis, is the inflammation of the tooth’s pulp. 

How do you get toothaches?

It results from a dental crack or cavity that leads to bacterial infection. Essentially, the pulp swells, resulting in painful pressure inside the tooth.

If left untreated, dental pulpitis may require a root canal or tooth extraction (if there is significant tooth decay).

CBD & Toothache

Thanks to its anti inflammatory properties, CBD can relieve painful swelling. 

CBD also has antibacterial effects, so it could reduce infection – preventing tooth decay and promoting dental health. 

2. Tooth Sensitivity

While a toothache is an internal pain, “sensitivity” refers to exterior tooth discomfort.

It occurs when teeth become too porous, resulting in exposed and overly-sensitive nerves.    

CBD & Tooth Sensitivity

While more research is needed, early studies suggest CBD can mitigate nerve pain and potentially reduce tooth sensitivity.       

3. Cavities 

Regarding dental issues like cavities, prevention is key! 

Cavities result from poor oral hygiene and eating too much sugar (both of which lead to dental plaque and bacteria build-up). 

Eventually, tooth decay occurs, which can lead to tooth extraction in severe cases. 

CBD & Cavities

Due to its powerful antibacterial properties, CBD can help prevent dental plaque build-up and reduce the occurrence of cavities. 

 4. Gum Disease

Gum disease (periodontal disease, or periodontitis) is caused by bacterial build-up and gum inflammation. 

Some signs of gum disease are:     

• Bad breath
• Swollen or receding gums 
• Loose teeth 

CBD & Gum Disease

CBD has excellent anti-bacterial and anti inflammatory effects, making it a great antiseptic for improving your gums’ health. 

One study found CBD was even better than certain kinds of toothpaste at reducing bacterial content.  

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5. Jaw Joint Dysfunction (TMD)  

Jaw joint dysfunction (also known as TMD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction) is a disorder that affects the joint connecting the jaw to the skull. 

It makes the joint inflamed and painful. 

CBD & TMD

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve some of the discomforts in the jaw area. You could apply some CBD cream or oil topically.  

The catch?

While CBD can alleviate the pain associated with TMD, it won’t take care of the root cause. 

Several things can lead to TMD, including:

• Jaw damage
• Bad bite 
• Teeth grinding/clenching 
• Arthritis
• Connective tissue diseases   

6. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

There are two types of teeth grinding:

• Daytime teeth grinding, which is often the result of anxiety.  
• Nighttime teeth grinding, commonly caused by a collapsed airway.

CBD & Bruxism

CBD can reduce anxiety, which could potentially help with daytime teeth grinding. 

However, CBD can’t be used to address a collapsed airway and will not be effective in treating nighttime teeth grinding.       

7. Recovery after Dental Surgery

Dental surgery can cause inflammation and swollen gums, making you more susceptible to dental issues like a bacterial infection. 

CBD & Dental Recovery

Since CBD helps prevent bacterial build-up, it can help maintain dental hygiene and oral health post-surgery.      

8. Dental Anxiety 

Let’s face it: dental health is essential, but no one likes going to the dentist. 

And for many, the experience can cause significant stress and anxiety. 

CBD & Dental Anxiety

CBD has anti-anxiety (and overall mental health) benefits. You can use it to reduce mental anguish during dentist appointments.

Caution: CBD can interact with certain medications. Always inform your dental practitioner before using CBD.   

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How to Use CBD for Dental Pain

There are a few ways you can use CBD to relieve tooth pain and maintain good dental hygiene: 

1. Ingesting CBD 

Want long-lasting relief (between 3-4 hours) from dental issues? 

Try a CBD capsule or a CBD gummy supplement!

The effects may take between 45 minutes and 2 hours to kick in as CBD needs to be absorbed through your digestive system. 

Did you know: CBD edibles usually also contain various vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system and overall health.

But wait, we’re not done yet. 

When you consume CBD edibles (like CBD gummies) or other ingestible supplements like oils, you may feel the effects throughout your body. 

Want localised effects? 

Opt for direct CBD application to the painful area.

2. Applying CBD Oil to Gums and Teeth

Apply CBD oil directly to your teeth or gums if you need fast relief. 

How?

Place a drop of oil on your finger (or a cotton swab) and rub it on the affected area. It’ll take about 30 minutes to feel the effect, which should last 2-3 hours.   

Caution: Avoid using too much CBD oil as it may cause dry mouth. Also, wash your hands before applying CBD oil to prevent bacterial contamination. 

3. Add CBD Oil to Your Toothpaste (Or Use CBD Toothpaste)

If you have multiple painful areas in your mouth, add a drop (or two) of CBD oil to your toothpaste or try CBD toothpaste.

Brush your teeth as usual, and thoroughly rinse the CBD oil off your toothbrush when finished. 

You should feel the effects within 20-30 minutes. 

Caution: Brushing your teeth with too much pressure can cause receding gums. Use short, gentle strokes to clean your teeth and gums to avoid this.    

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How Much CBD Should I Use for Dental Pain? 

Unfortunately, there is limited research on the advisable dosage of CBD you should take for pain. 

Generally, most CBD oil, spray, and ingestible products indicate a CBD dosage of 15-25mg. 

GreenBox recommends: 

Start with a low amount of CBD (around 10mg daily) for a week. If you aren’t experiencing pain relief, increase the dosage by small increments (5mg) until you feel the desired effects. 

How to Choose The Right CBD Product for Dental Pain   

There are various CBD products, including sprays, drinks, oils, gummies, capsules, and mouthwashes.

So how do you choose the right one? 

Consider these important factors: 

• Type of pain: If your dental pain is in a broader area or you have dental anxiety, consider taking an ingestible CBD product (like a CBD gummy). If the pain is localised, a CBD oil or a spray may be better for direct application. 
• Dental pain severity: Naturally, if you are experiencing a lot of pain, a CBD product with a higher concentration would be advisable. 
• Fast-acting vs. slow-acting relief: When you ingest a CBD product, it may take longer to feel its effects. Conversely, when CBD is applied directly to the affected area, you may experience pain relief more quickly. 
• CBD type: Choose between CBD isolate (pure CBD extract), broad-spectrum CBD (THC-free, but contains other cananbis compounds), or full-spectrum CBD (contains all hemp plant compounds including THC).  

As full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it’s illegal in the UK.