Cannabidiol for Oral Health: A New Promising Therapeutical Tool in Dentistry

The medical use of cannabis has a very long history. Although many substances called cannabinoids are present in cannabis, Delta 9tetrahydrocannabinol (?9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) are the three main cannabinoids that are most present and described. CBD itself is not responsible for the psychotropic effects of cannabis, since it does not produce the typical behavioral effects associated with the consumption of this drug. CBD has recently gained growing attention in modern society and seems to be increasingly explored in dentistry. Several subjective findings suggest some therapeutic effects of CBD that are strongly supported by research evidence. However, there is a plethora of data regarding CBD's mechanism of action and therapeutic potential, which are in many cases contradictory. We will first provide an overview of the scientific evidence on the molecular mechanism of CBD's action. Furthermore, we will map the recent developments regarding the possible oral benefits of CBD. In summary, we will highlight CBD's promising biological features for its application in dentistry, despite exiting patents that suggest the current compositions for oral care as the main interest of the industry.

Automated summary

The medical use of cannabis has a long history, and Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) are the main cannabinoids found in cannabis. CBD does not produce the psychotropic effects associated with cannabis and has gained attention in dentistry. Subjective findings and research evidence suggest therapeutic effects of CBD, although there is conflicting data on its mechanism of action and therapeutic potential. This article provides an overview of the scientific evidence on CBD's action and explores its possible oral benefits in dentistry, highlighting its promising biological features.