Taking CBD definitely isn’t a substitute for seeing the dentist if your teeth are hurting. Tooth pain often requires dental surgery or other procedures.
But in the interim, CBD may help to promote pain-free teeth, gums, and jaws.
Research suggests CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties, indicating that it may help with discomfort in the mouth.
CBD has mentally relaxing properties, so it may also be beneficial if you struggle with dental anxiety.
In this article, we’re going to explore CBD’s potential benefits for tooth pain and discuss its broader potential in dentistry. We’ll also present you with what, in our opinion, are the three best CBD product for tooth pain.
You deserve better. That's why we only carry high-strength, American-made CBD products that have been 3rd-party lab tested.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of more than 100 naturally-occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
CBD won’t get you high, but it can do a lot of other things.
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest CBD has a wide variety of therapeutic benefits, and it’s commonly used for sleep, anxiety, inflammation, and pain.
What is Tooth Pain, and What Causes It?
“Tooth pain” is a catchall description of different types of pain you feel in your teeth.
There are many specific types of tooth pain:
- Sharp, stabbing tooth pains can be felt while eating a meal or otherwise using your teeth. This type of pain is generally indicative of an untreated cavity.
- Tooth sensitivity manifests itself as small twinges of pain when you eat or drink something that’s hot or cold (e.g. drinking hot coffee or ice water). Several things cause tooth sensitivity, including exposed tooth roots, untreated cavities, and grinding or clenching of the teeth.
- Throbbing discomfort in your teeth may mean you have a tooth infection, which must be addressed with a root canal treatment.
- Tooth pain felt when you apply pressure to your teeth has several causes, including an abscess (a buildup of pus beneath the skin) near the tooth or a fractured tooth. These problems often require dental treatment.
- Tooth discomfort after dental procedures such as root canal treatment and tooth extraction is normal, but be sure to visit your dentist if it lasts longer than it’s supposed to.
Many types of tooth pain have to be treated with dental surgery.
You should always see the dentist if you’re feeling any sort of tooth pain, as they’ll be able to assess why it’s happening and help you find a long-term solution.
However, in the meantime, CBD and other natural remedies can promote pain-free teeth, gums, and jaws.
Can CBD Help With Tooth Pain?
CBD has the potential to promote pain-free teeth and gums, so it may be useful if you’re dealing with tooth discomfort. However, it’s not a substitute for dental treatment.
Research suggests CBD has various beneficial properties that may make it useful for tooth pain, and science has shown CBD to be beneficial for other types of pain.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Tooth Pain
CBD can promote a pain-free body – including a pain-free mouth – but it also has other research-backed benefits that make it useful for maintaining good dental health.
Pain & Inflammation
Several studies have shown CBD to have analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects, indicating that it may have the potential to address tooth pain and discomfort.
Research done by Rutgers University suggests that CBD may be an effective and safe option for tooth pain. In a clinical study of 61 people, people who were administered pure CBD showed “significant . . . pain reduction compared to . . . the placebo group.”
While more research on CBD is needed before we know whether it’s a reliable treatment for tooth pain, early clinical research suggests it has the potential to be one.
Gum & Tooth Health
While much of the bacteria in your mouth is there for a reason, harmful varieties can develop for various reasons and create dental decay.
Research has shown that CBD has antibacterial properties. This means that CBD may support healthy gums and teeth that are free of harmful bacteria.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity creates twinges of pain when you consume hot or cold foods. It happens when the roots of your teeth become exposed, which causes the nerves below your roots to become extra sensitive.
CBD has the potential to help with tooth sensitivity by promoting healthier, more relaxed nerves.
Research has shown that CBD has therapeutic benefits for nerve pain, and it’s also been shown to have benefits for pain and inflammation, in general.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a major cause of tooth sensitivity. It can happen during the day or night. Daytime grinding is usually caused by stress, while nighttime grinding is a result of sleep apnea or a collapsed airway.
Research suggests that CBD has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, meaning it may address a root cause of bruxism.
However, if you’re dealing with bruxism, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Again, CBD is a supplement, not a treatment.
TMJ Disorder
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, connects your jawbone to your skull. Feeling pain in one or both of your TMJs is known as TMJ disorder, and is caused by everything from a misaligned bite to poor orthodontics.
While CBD can’t address the underlying causes of TMJ disorder, multiple studies indicate that it may help with physical discomfort, which results from the disorder.
CBD for Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety holds many people back from seeking out the necessary dental treatment to keep their teeth in shape. And it’s not just your teeth that are at stake – untreated dental issues can cause lots of health problems.
Research suggests CBD has therapeutic potential for anxiety, so it may be effective at combating the feelings of stress that some people feel when thinking about going to the dentist.
Many dentists recognize CBD’s potential for dental anxiety and even recommend that their patients use it.
CBD for Tooth Pain: How it Works
CBD works by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a system in your body that regulates your vital functions, including the inflammatory and pain responses, sleep-wake cycle, mood, and immune system.
The ECS’s ultimate job is to keep your body in a state of homeostasis (balance). A healthy ECS is associated with a normal state of health and a pain-free body.
Although CBD doesn’t strongly interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are very prominent in the ECS, it does support the overall function of your ECS by preventing endocannabinoid breakdown, as well as through other means.
By supporting the ECS, CBD may indirectly help your vital functions – including the pain and inflammatory responses in your teeth, gums, and jaws – stay in balance.
CBD vs. Pharmaceuticals for Tooth Pain
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the class of pharmaceuticals most commonly recommended for tooth pain and other acute forms of discomfort. One NSAID that you’ve probably heard of is Ibuprofen.
Research suggests that CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-reducing properties), similar to NSAIDs.
The relative effectiveness of CBD to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is unclear, as this comparison hasn’t been studied.
However, CBD is superior to many pharmaceutical drugs in that it has fewer and less harmful side effects.
Long-term side effects of NSAID use include heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.
By contrast, CBD use has no long-term side effects, and the short-term side effects (nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and fatigue) are relatively minor in comparison to those of prescription drugs.
Overall, CBD may function similarly to NSAIDs for tooth pain, without many of the potential risks. Just remember that CBD isn’t a proven treatment for tooth pain, and its efficacy may vary by person.
CBD for Tooth Pain: Side Effects & Precautions
CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by the medical community. However, it’s important to be aware of potential concerns and precautions around using it.
Side effects
While CBD can help with tooth pain and dental anxiety, it may cause some side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
Drug interactions
CBD is contraindicated with several classes of prescription drugs, including NSAIDs, which are commonly used for tooth pain.
CBD may affect the way your body metabolizes these drugs, potentially leading to dangerous buildups of them in your liver and other organs.
If you want to use CBD and ibuprofen (or other OTC medications) for tooth pain, be sure to take them a minimum of four hours (or whatever duration the medication specifies) apart.
If you’re on prescription medications, ask your doctor before using CBD.
Talk to your dentist first
At the end of the day, CBD is a natural supplement, not a treatment.
While research suggests CBD has therapeutic potential for tooth pain, you should always consult your dentist first if you’re experiencing this type of discomfort.
They will be able to assess the cause of the discomfort and recommend proper treatments, and they may also be able to suggest how best to use CBD to complement other remedies.
Can CBD Cause Tooth Pain?
CBD will not cause tooth pain. However, CBD oil, specifically, may cause dryness in the mouth, which can temporarily contribute to any discomfort you’re already experiencing.
To minimize the risk of CBD oil drying out your mouth and contributing to tooth pain, be sure to drink plenty of water before and after using it.
Types of CBD Products for Tooth Pain
There are a variety of ways you can take CBD, but not every delivery method will work the same if you’re using CBD for tooth pain.
Here’s a bit about CBD delivery methods and things you’ll want to keep in mind when using each.
- CBD Oil: CBD oil consists of cannabinoids and carrier oil. This product can be taken under the tongue, then swallowed, allowing for faster absorption. You can also rub CBD oil onto your gums to target the blood vessels just below the skin. CBD oil is a good option for tooth pain, as it allows you to measure and take a very precise dose of CBD.
- CBD Topicals: CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin, instead of consumed. CBD topicals are best used for jaw-related tooth pain, such as TMJ disorder, as you can apply some of your product to the affected areas of your jaw. However, they aren’t as effective for maintaining pain-free gums and nerves as they won’t deliver CBD to your bloodstream.
- CBD Gummies: CBD edibles, such as gummies, are a popular CBD consumption method because they taste great and are easy to use. Gummies are a fixed-dose delivery method, making them a great choice if you’ll be taking the same dose regularly. While CBD gummies are typically coated in sugar, which might be a concern for dental health, they won’t exacerbate the problem as long as you rinse your mouth out after you take one.
- CBD Capsules: CBD capsules and softgels offer an alternative to edibles. For tooth pain, capsules are convenient as they don’t force you to hold anything in your mouth (as with oil) or chew anything (as with gummies). Instead, you just pop a capsule with some water and wait for the CBD to circulate throughout your body.
CBD Dosage for Tooth Pain
Measuring CBD dosage isn’t necessary if you’re applying it directly to your teeth and gums.
In this case, simply use enough CBD oil to cover all the areas you want to target for relaxation.
However, if you’re going to consume CBD orally, measuring your dosage is a good idea.
For pain, we recommend starting with a medium-strength dosage of CBD, which can be measured using this formula:
(0.3) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily CBD dosage in mg. for tooth pain
This dosage will ensure that CBD’s physically relaxing properties can fully take effect.
The same formula can be used for dental anxiety, as both situations generally call for similar doses (but for different reasons).
Once you take your CBD dosage a few times, adjust it up or down depending on how it’s working for you.
Best CBD Products for Tooth Pain
Looking for the best CBD for tooth pain? Here are three lab-tested products that may promote a pain-free mouth:
1. Best CBD Oil for Tooth Pain: Natural Ways Full-Spectrum CBG:CBD Oil
Type of CBD: Full-spectrum CBD & CBG
Potency: 500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, or 3000mg of CBG & CBD each per bottle
Size: 1 oz. (30 ml)
Price: $45 (500mg of each), $65 (1000mg of each), $85 (1500mg of each), $115 (3000mg of each)
If you’re looking for the strongest, most effective CBD oil for tooth discomfort, our full-spectrum CBG:CBD oil is hard to beat.
Our oil combines CBD with cannabigerol (CBG), another immensely-beneficial hemp cannabinoid with soothing properties.
Both of these cannabinoids have shown potential for pain and inflammation, and by using them together, you’ll receive stronger benefits than if you use either CBD or CBG by itself.
To make the effects even stronger, we’ve used full-spectrum cannabinoids in this product. This means that the CBG and CBD extracts we use also contain small amounts of CBN, CBC, and THC, which add to the entourage effect.
Our CBG:CBD oil comes in four strengths to accommodate everyone’s needs: 500mg, 1000mg, 1500mg, or 3000mg of CBG and CBD each per bottle.
We firmly believe it’s the most effective cannabinoid formula out there for physical discomfort.
Shop: Full-Spectrum CBG CBD Oil
2. Best THC:CBD Gummies for Tooth Pain: Sow Eden Bliss Formula Gummies
Cannabinoids: Delta 9 THC, CBG, and CBD
Potency: 12.5mg delta 9 THC, 12.5mg CBG, and 5mg CBD per gummy
Size: 5 gummies, 20 gummies, or 60 gummies
Price: $13.00 (5 gummies), $50.00 (20 gummies), or $130.00 (60 gummies)
Sow Eden’s Bliss Formula Gummies combine 5mg CBD, 12.5mg delta 9 THC, and 12.5mg CBG for a powerful entourage effect.
Not only will this formula promote physical relaxation, but the THC will help you take your mind off the discomfort.
In addition to the energizing, yet balanced experience rendered by the THC:CBD:CBG combination, these gummies are made with taste-bud-tingling flavorings.
Choose from Key Lime Pie and Cherry Pineapple Flavors as you bite into a gummy that’s highly effective and highly delicious.
Shop: Sow Eden Bliss Formula Gummies
3. Best THC-Free CBD Gummies for Tooth Pain: Joy Organics CBD Gummies
Type of CBD: Broad-spectrum CBD
Potency: 25mg CBD per gummy
Size: 30 gummies
Price: $39.96
Because of broad-spectrum products, CBD’s benefits aren’t off limits for people who can’t have THC in their system.
And there’s no better THC-free CBD product for tooth pain than Joy Organics’ CBD Gummies. Each piece contains 25mg of broad-spectrum CBD along with delicious strawberry lemonade flavors. This is great-tasting, worry-free wellness.
Shop: Organic CBD Gummies
Other Natural Remedies for Tooth Pain
CBD isn’t the only alternative to pharmaceuticals for tooth pain. Here are some other natural tooth pain remedies to consider:
- Saltwater rinse — Salt has anti-inflammatory properties. Mix 1/2 of a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and use it as a mouthwash.
- Cold compress — A cold compress causes the blood vessels in your mouth to constrict, thereby reducing pain. To use this method, apply ice wrapped in a towel to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. Repeat every few hours as needed.
- Garlic — Garlic has antibacterial and pain-relieving benefits. For this method, crush a garlic clove into a paste and then apply it to the affected area. You can also chew a clove of fresh garlic for similar effects.
- Vanilla extract — Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which has pain-relieving properties. To use it on your teeth, apply a small amount of vanilla to a cotton ball (or dab it on your finger) and apply it to the affected area a few times a day.
Conclusion: Can CBD Help With Tooth Pain?
Research has shown that CBD has therapeutic potential for pain and inflammation, in general. This alone indicates that CBD may have some benefit for people who are dealing with tooth pain.
However, in late 2023, researchers published the first-ever clinical study of CBD for dental pain. The results were positive, with the study showing that CBD significantly reduced discomfort as compared to a placebo.
While more research is still needed before we know if CBD is a reliable tooth pain treatment, this breakthrough suggests that CBD has vast potential for tooth pain, as well as for use in the broader field of dentistry.
CBD for Tooth Pain: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about using CBD for tooth pain.
Can you take CBD after a tooth extraction?
Yes, CBD is safe to use after a tooth extraction. However, we recommend using CBD capsules or edibles so that you don’t have to hold CBD oil in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute – this could lead to dryness or irritation in the sensitive site.
Can I apply CBD oil to my gums?
Yes. Putting CBD oil on your gums may promote a healthy, pain-free mouth.
Can CBD help with wisdom tooth pain?
Early clinical research has indicated that CBD has the potential to reduce tooth pain.
What is the best instant pain relief for a toothache?
Quick ways to reduce tooth pain include a saltwater rinse, cold compress, or vanilla extract.
