If you’ve ever dealt with a toothache, you probably only had one thing on your mind: finding relief.
Whether it’s a dull and persistent ache or a sharp and throbbing pain, tooth pain can be more than just an annoyance. It can disrupt your life and even keep you from sleeping at night. A trip to the dentist can get to the root of your tooth-related pain, but most people still turn to at-home treatments to cope with the ache in the meantime.
But you might be wondering: Does weed for tooth pain work as an effective form of pain relief? Many people are turning away from over-the-counter drugs in favor of medical cannabis for pain like arthritis, headaches, and other day-to-day pain.
Let’s take a closer look at the trend of cannabis for toothaches and examine the science behind it.
What Causes Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain is something that most people have experienced, or will experience, in their lifetime. It can be painful and unpleasant, but what causes it?
While some cases of toothaches result from poor dental hygiene, there are other factors at play that can make this condition more complicated. While flossing daily and visiting the dentist can lower your risk of getting a toothache, tooth pain can strike anyone at any time.
When plaque builds up in the mouth, it could lead to tooth decay, which occurs when the hard surface of the tooth breaks down. If the nerve endings at the center of the tooth are exposed, you might feel a sharp pain in your mouth. This is the most common form of toothache, but other conditions could be behind your pain, like:
- Sensitivity from acid erosion or overbrushing
- An infection in the pulp of the tooth
- Pericoronitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the soft tissue of the tooth
- Alveolar Osteitis (or “dry socket”) that occurs after extraction of a tooth
How Does Cannabis Work to Relieve ToothPain?
While the link between cannabis and tooth pain hasn’t been fully explored, there’s a large body of evidence suggesting that marijuana is effective for pain management.
Today, medicinal cannabis is a popular alternative to traditional medications, including opioids. Taking cannabis products can ease chronic pain and inflammation. A combination of THC and CBD in different strains acts on the cannabinoid receptors that exist naturally in the body, regulating functions like pain, memory, and appetite.
In recent years, many studies have examined the use of cannabis for pain management. One review reported that several trials found positive results for treating chronic pain with cannabis. Another research paper found that cannabis use for cancer pain resulted in a 64% drop in opioid use, as well as improved quality of life.
Cannabis has shown promise for other types of pain as well. One study found that marijuana reduced the frequency of migraine headaches in people with chronic migraines.
THC and Tooth-Related Pain
It’s clear that cannabis can help people manage their pain — from headaches to chemotherapy side effects — but what about tooth-related pain?
To date, there hasn’t been much research examining the effects of cannabis on dental issues. However, prior research on cannabis and its pain-relieving properties suggests that it could have a positive effect.
One review explored the potential for cannabis as a dental treatment. While they admit that there isn’t enough scientific evidence for the use of cannabis in dentistry, they ultimately concluded that there is strong evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for oral diseases.
The review suggests that cannabis may be applicable to treat:
- Toothaches
- Bacterial infections (periodontitis)
- Gingivitis
- Dental cavities
- Abscesses
- Inflammation-based oral diseases
- Dental cancers
- Dental anxiety
Cannabis might be well-known for containing THC, but many strains include a combination of both THC and CBD. CBD is also known for having anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Whether it’s a THC or CBD-dominant strain, the presence of CBD may also help you deal with toothaches.
How to Use Cannabis for Tooth Pain
Whether it’s a dull or stabbing pain, toothaches can be agonizing. While some over-the-counter remedies can take the edge off the pain, the only way to completely alleviate your tooth pain is by treating it at the source.
If you’re feeling tooth pain of any kind, contact your dentist to schedule an examination. Only a dental professional can diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
However, weed can be used alongside traditional forms of treatment to maximize your relief. Here are a few tips on how to use cannabis for tooth pain.
1. Microdose Your Cannabis
If you want to feel the pain-relieving effects but don’t want the psychoactive feeling, or “high,” then microdosing might be the way to go. By taking small amounts — usually .5 milligrams or 1 milligram — of weed, you can enjoy the pain relief without the high.
One study on chronic pain found that a microdose of 1 milligram was the most effective in reducing pain while producing no psychoactive effects.
2. Use a Combination of THC and CBD
THC alone can have a pain-relieving effect, but combining it with CBD can make those results even more powerful. Look for cannabis strains that have a balance of both THC and CBD. If you don’t want to feel as high, look for CBD-dominant strains.
3. Try a Topical Tincture
While cannabis can be ingested to relieve tooth pain, it won’t always provide the quickest relief. Try applying a topical spray, oil, or tincture to the affected area for immediate effects.
Finding Relief for Tooth Pain
Tooth pain might be common, but that doesn’t mean you should have to bear it without support. In addition to following your dentist’s instructions, using the right weed products can help you relieve the worst of your symptoms, ease inflammation, and take your mind off the pain.
If you’re searching for the best medical cannabis to overcome oral pain, VidaCann offers high-grade medical cannabis throughout Florida. For high-quality, all-natural products to treat your pain, browse our selection online or find a VidaCann dispensary near you.
