Tooth pain can seriously affect general health and the capacity to work. Therefore, some remedies- painkillers that can be bought over-the-counter, prescription medication, or traditional methods- are used to treat tooth pain.
With holistic and alternative methods now on the rise, many people consider marijuana as the possible answer toothache. But does marijuana help relieve the pain associated with teeth? Let’s see how cannabis works against pain, all its merits and demerits, and suitable applications for dental pain.
Knowing Toothaches and Toothache Causes
Toothaches are caused by several factors, including:
- Tooth Decay: Bacterial cavities that erode the enamel.
- Gum Infection: Periodontal diseases that cause swelling and pain.
- Tooth Abscess: Root infection leading to inflammation and extreme pain.
- Broken or Cracked Teeth: Physical trauma resulting in nerve exposure and pain.
- Post-Procedure Dental: Pain after extractions, root canals, or fillings.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Excessive clenching that wears away enamel and exposes nerves.
Toothache pain is caused by a degree of irritation or inflammation of the nerve which is located in the involved area. Most conventional analgesics mediate pain transmission or inflammation. Cannabis has lately been receiving some attention as one alternative tool in the toolbox for toothache management.
Using Cannabis to Alleviate Toothaches
Cannabis is very simple; THC and CBD are cannabinoids that act on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body. The ECS has a great variety of functions, the regulation of pain, inflammation, and immunity to that of the assisted management of communication between the body and mind. Here’s how cannabis can help relieve toothache symptoms:
1. Pain Relief
Both THC and CBD work by acting on the brain and nervous system by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, respectively, decreasing pain. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid popularly known as cannabis, which alters the pain perception within the brain along with euphoric effects that relieve pain arising due to toothache.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation carries a big chunk of the tooth pain. In particular, studies show that CBD has very strong anti-inflammatory properties, which may be useful in diminishing gum swelling, uplifting nerve pressures, and speeding the healing process.
3. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
Some studies state that cannabis may harbor antibacterials that are adept at annihilating the bacteria that cause oral conditions. Cannabinoids have the potential to reduce bacteria within an oral cavity. Although this is not a substitute for antibiotics or a visit to the dentist, certain cannabinoids can help reduce the number of bacteria present in the mouth.
4. Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Stress, which may stem from serious dental pain, leads to poor nights of sleep and muscle tension. Cannabis has a track record of reducing pain and inducing calmness, relaxation-aiding sleep, notwithstanding the pain.
Choosing The Right Method
If you think of taking Cannabis for tooth pain, it’s very important to choose the right method of administration since various methods might not work for some. Some of these methods would provide faster effect than others, whilst some might be pretty effective in targeting oral pain.
1. Topical Applications
Cannabis-infused oils, tinctures, or CBD mouthwashes can be applied directly to the affected area. This method allows cannabinoids to interact locally with inflamed tissues without causing psychoactive effects.
2. Smoking or Vaping
Cannabis may be smoked or vaped for fast pain relief since cannabinoids go straight into the blood. Vaping or smoking may irritate the inflamed gums and overall is not well suited for mouth health.
3. Edibles and Capsules
Edibles and capsules yield extended effects, yet they work slowly because they need to move through the stomach and intestines. These types of methods suit people who require longer pain relief, not the fast-acting effect.
4. Sublingual Use (Tinctures)
Positioning a few drops of cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue facilitates rapid uptake into the bloodstream. This is one of the best methods to employ cannabis for dental pain.
5. CBD Gum or Lozenges
CBD-infused gum or lozenges may assist in delivering the cannabinoids directly to the site of pain as well as stimulating saliva flow, which can be helpful to oral health.
Possible Risks and Limitations
While cannabis may provide relief for toothaches, there are some important considerations and potential drawbacks:
1. Not a Cure
Cannabis can help manage pain and inflammation but does not address the underlying cause of a toothache. It’s essential to see a dentist to diagnose and treat the root problem.
2. Dry Mouth
Using marijuana can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), and this can help bacteria grow, leading to cavities and gum infections.
3. Legal Issues
Laws around marijuana differ according to where you are, so make sure that you are sticking to local legislation when using cannabis for pain control.
4. Psychoactive Action of THC
THC-treated cannabis products will produce euphoria, dizziness, and changing perception, and these may not be appropriate for all individuals.
5. Medication Interactions
Cannabis can also react with some drugs, such as painkillers and antibiotics. Ask a health expert before you use cannabis, together with other treatments.
Should You Use Cannabis For Toothaches?
There are possible analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis, which may help improve the symptoms of toothache. Cannabis, nevertheless, is no substitute for dental services; it is reckless to dispense with dental checks whenever toothaches are continuous or severe.
If you do end up using cannabis for pain relief from toothaches, don’t smoke the plant. Opt for tinctures CBD rinses, or topicals that can be administered topically. Don’t ingest cannabis if you are on other drugs unless your physician advises you to do so.
Finally, cannabis is fine for short-term pain alleviation, but when it comes to your overall oral health in the long run, the best option is always getting dental care.