Does Cannabis Work for Toothache?

Cannabis is renowned for its pain-relieving properties, but does weed help toothache? Research suggests that certain compounds found in cannabis strains can be effective in reducing severe tooth pain.

Weed offers an interesting alternative to opioid medications and may offer MMJ patients short-term relief from chronic pain caused by dental issues. However, taking steps to prevent toothache before it occurs and seeing a dentist as soon as you feel pain are also essential for protecting your oral health.

Can Cannabis Help Toothache?

Some evidence suggests that cannabis can help with acute dental pain caused by toothache. Researchers from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine found that CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in many cannabis strains, alleviates acute dental pain. The 2023 study reports that CBD may be just as effective at relieving dental pain as opioids but without the significant risk attached to long-term opioid use. CBD is also a great option for patients looking to relieve dental pain while avoiding the high caused by THC.

The study also found an increase in bite force among study participants who were given CBD, suggesting that the cannabinoid could also improve tooth function. This is highly significant for individuals whose chronic tooth pain affects their ability to chew.

Cannabis as Alternative Pain Relief

Finding alternatives to opioids for pain management is vital to minimize the impact of the opioid crisis. Dental pain is a large part of this as it’s estimated that up to 8.3% of opioid prescriptions were linked with dental visits between 2012 and 2019. 

Cannabinoids can potentially play an important role in reducing opioid use. For example, one study noted that medical cannabis use was linked with a 64% reduction in opioid use among patients suffering from chronic pain.

CBD or THC for Dental Pain Reduction?

Research into CBD for dental pain management is promising and could even shine a light on how dental pain will be treated in the future. However, medical marijuana patients suffering from chronic pain caused by dental issues may also wish to explore THC and its impact on toothache.

Research has shown that THC assists with tissue regeneration and periodontal healing by improving cellular adhesion and migration through the CB2 receptor (page 3 of the online document). However, the helpfulness of THC for oral health may depend on the consumption method. Full-spectrum products (containing both THC and CBD) may also be highly effective for pain relief thanks to a phenomenon called the entourage effect.  

Consult your doctor about how medical marijuana for pain relief could fit in with any other treatments you’re undertaking. Remember, you must apply for and then renew your medical marijuana card to purchase cannabis without the 16% excise tax in Arizona.

Causes and Symptoms of Toothache

Toothache is an incapacitating health issue that causes several symptoms including throbbing pain, increased difficulty in chewing or eating, and increased sensitivity. Oral pain intensity can vary depending on the severity and root causes of patients' toothaches. Among the most common causes include:

• Cavities: Decayed areas within the tooth can lead to toothache.  

• Damaged teeth: Damage to the tooth's enamel exposes the sensitive inner layers.  

• Gum disease: Infections or gum inflammation can cause pain or discomfort.  

• Sinus infections: Sinus infections can sometimes lead to referred pain in the teeth.  

• Abscesses: A pocket of pus that forms at the root of a tooth can cause severe toothache.  

• Wisdom tooth problems: Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause pain and inflammation.  

• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): Issues with the jaw joint can lead to facial pain, including toothaches.  

Other symptoms commonly caused by these dental issues include swelling in the cheek or jaw, bad breath, and even fever. Be aware that long-term smoking can have various detrimental effects on your oral health. The effects of cannabis on oral health should be taken into account by patients who smoke marijuana or who have been lifelong smokers.

Pain Relief Doesn’t Address the Root Cause of Toothache

Patients have a range of pain relief options for discomfort caused by dental problems. However, no pain relief can ever replace preventing toothache from developing in the first place. The best way to avoid toothache is to look after your dental hygiene by regularly brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. Avoid unhealthy habits that encourage the development of oral health issues like frequent smoking or overindulging in sugary foods.

Cannabis to Alleviate Dental Anxiety

Another related use for weed is to reduce feelings of anxiety linked to going to the dentist. One study found that the sublingual administration of 15-30 milligrams of CBD before a dental appointment could be effective against both dental anxiety and dental pain.

How To Use Cannabis For Toothache

How you consume cannabis can be decisive in how effective it is for providing pain relief. The consumption method will determine how fast you feel relief and how long its analgesic effects last. The following table may be helpful when deciding how to consume marijuana for toothache. Take note that the onset time can vary depending on the potency of the product and how much you consume.

METHOD	ONSET TIME	PROS	CONS
Smoking or Vaping	Almost immediate	Fast relief and strong effects	Health consequences of smoking, short duration
Edibles	30-90 minutes	Long-lasting effects, discrete	Delayed onset, difficult to dose
Tinctures	15-45 minutes	Fast absorption, versatile use	Strong taste, highly potent product
Topicals	Almost immediate	Non-psychoactive and targeted relief	Limited to local application

Remember that cannabis can only ever offer short-term pain relief. Always consult a dentist when dental issues arise.

Be Prepared to Experiment for the Best Dental Pain Relief

A growing body of evidence suggests that consuming weed for tooth pain may be effective. While the most recent studies show CBD to offer the most promising results, it may also be worth experimenting with THC or full-spectrum products.

Managing pain is very personal and often a course of treatment that works wonders for one person may be less effective for another. That said, prevention is always better than cure. Follow a consistent dental health routine, see your dentist regularly and as soon as you feel pain, and consider cannabis for short-term relief until the problem is fixed.