Compare the Best CBD Oil for TMJ Disorders 2022

How CBD May Help With TMJ Disorder 

A 2019 study hypothesized that CBD may help improve the myofascial pain experienced by individuals with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)⁽¹⁾.

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a chronic pain disorder, affects the muscles and fascia (casing of connective tissue).

Research has shown that cannabinoids from the Cannabis sativa plant may help relieve chronic pain⁽²⁾. TMJ disorders may include facial, jaw, and temporomandibular joint pain⁽³⁾. 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) maintains a critical role in regulating different types of pain⁽⁴⁾. Signaling of the ECS’ cannabinoid receptors is involved in nociceptive pain processing. Nociceptive pain is attributed to body tissue damage.

Cannabidiol is one of the naturally occurring plant-based phytocannabinoids of Cannabis sativa. Unlike the psychoactive component of cannabis plants, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD works as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. 

Research suggests that CBD as an oral cannabis extract (OCE) may lower the painful spasms and spasticity of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients within one year of therapy⁽⁵⁾. 

The OCE used in the study includes CBD and THC. Spasticity is abnormal muscle tightness. 

MS is a potentially disabling disease involving the brain and central nervous system (CNS). The condition may cause muscle stiffness and spasm. Research suggests that MS may be a potential etiological factor in TMDs⁽⁶⁾.   

The ECS has two primary receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), that communicate with cannabinoids to produce potential therapeutic effects.

CB1 receptors are common in the CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS), while CB2 receptors exist primarily in the immune cells. 

A study published in Current Neuropharmacology noted that cannabinoid receptor agonists may have therapeutic benefits against inflammatory and neuropathic pains⁽⁷⁾. The researchers investigated chronic and acute pain management.  

Despite THC’s higher affinity with CB1 receptors due to its potential euphoric effects, it is limited to medical marijuana use⁽⁸⁾. 

However, CBD may modulate ion channels and the body’s non-cannabinoid receptors⁽⁹⁾. Some CBD derivatives seem to sustain their antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties without affecting the CNS⁽¹⁰⁾.  

Additionally, CBD was reported to inhibit inflammation and peripheral pain responses after binding with cannabinoid receptors⁽¹¹⁾. 

The antihyperalgesic effects of cannabidiol are mediated by the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV-1) receptor⁽¹²⁾.

Research suggests that low-dose CBD physiologically desensitizes or inhibits neuronal TRPV-1 signaling⁽¹³⁾. This result may induce pain relief due to TRPV-1’s purported role in pain sensation⁽¹⁴⁾.

Studies have shown that topical CBD may help decrease inflammation and pain in animal models⁽¹⁵⁾. However, additional research is warranted, including clinical trials and studies involving human subjects. 

Potential Benefits and Uses of CBD for TMJ Disorders

TMD symptoms may include muscle stiffness, painful grating or clicking of the jaw joint when opening and closing the mouth, radiating pain in the lower jaw, neck, or face, and locking or limited movement of the jaw⁽¹⁶⁾.

Meanwhile, research has shown that CBD may have anti-inflammatory⁽¹⁷⁾, pain-relieving⁽¹⁸⁾, and neuroprotective properties⁽¹⁹⁾.    

CBD’s potential for chronic pain-relieving therapeutics has spurred interest in researchers⁽²⁰⁾. 

A 2020 study suggested that cannabidiol may have therapeutic effects in some forms of epilepsy⁽²¹⁾. Dislocation of the TMJ is a potential indicator of epilepsy⁽²²⁾.   

CBD may also have analgesic effects in certain conditions⁽²³⁾. Based on research on CBD’s potential benefits in chronic pain treatment, the researchers connected CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects to its interaction with the HT1A serotonin receptors.

Furthermore, a clinical report noted that hemp-derived CBD may provide significant pain-relieving benefits for patients with chronic back pain⁽²⁴⁾. 

Results of the medical study indicated that CBD is a promising compound in sports due to its purported anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties⁽²⁵⁾. 

In addition, research on patients with MS reported that a THC: CBD combination relieved spasticity-related symptoms such as spasms, muscle tension, and sleep quality⁽²⁶⁾. A 56.7% prevalence of TMDs in MS patients has been reported⁽²⁷⁾.  

A review examined CBD as a potential alternative pain-relieving therapeutic option⁽²⁸⁾. Researchers reported that intramuscular injection of CBD or cannabinol (CBN) decreased mechanical sensitization and increased the threshold of masseter muscle receptors.  

Still, additional research is needed to investigate whether CBD induces similar therapeutic effects in TMD patients. 

How to Take CBD for TMJ Disorders

No Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved method exists to suggest the best way to take CBD oil for TMJ disorders. However, researchers have used various CBD applications to treat TMD, including topical⁽²⁹⁾ and transdermal⁽³⁰⁾. 

Transdermal 

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine compared various methods of CBD application suggested that the transdermal method is practical for reducing inflammation and pain symptoms of TMD⁽³¹⁾. 

The transdermal application, such as CBD patches, utilizes the skin dermis to deliver cannabidiol into the bloodstream.

Sublingual 

CBD oils in tincture form are administered under the tongue and absorbed through membranes in the gums and cheeks.  

Edibles

Cannabidiol edibles include CBD gummies, CBD brownies, and CBD cookies. 

Topicals

CBD topicals, including CBD creams, lotions, balms, and salves, are designed for more targeted relief. CBD topicals may provide localized relief of TMD symptoms, including areas such as the ears and jaw. 

Regardless of how you opt to take CBD, it is advisable to consult your doctor to help prevent unwanted side effects and drug interactions. 

Ideal CBD Dosage for TMJ Disorders

In a CBD dosage review, researchers reported that 15 milligrams of CBD per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) per day were well tolerated and reduced the severity and frequency of seizures⁽³²⁾.  

It is advisable to start taking cannabidiol at low doses and gradually increase the intake until achieving the desired therapeutic effects⁽³³⁾. 

Before continuing your intake of CBD, observe any possible side effects. Discuss with your doctor or other health and wellness professional after detecting adverse effects.  

How Long CBD May Take to Help With TMJ Disorders

CBD’s efficacy duration may differ based on the administration method used. 

Sublingual CBD may induce biological effects within 15 to 30 minutes after administration⁽³⁴⁾.

CBD topicals such as CBD lotions, creams, balms, and salves may induce localized effects within 10 minutes⁽³⁵⁾.  

The transdermal administration of drugs avoids the gastrointestinal tract⁽³⁶⁾. Thus, the body may absorb CBD faster than other methods. 

Some individuals prefer vaping or CBD inhalation due to its rapid onset time as fast as under one minute⁽³⁷⁾. 

This method’s fast absorption rate is due to CBD’s direct absorption through the lungs and bloodstream⁽³⁸⁾. However, inhaling vapor or smoke may also cause allergic reactions or chemical irritation⁽³⁹⁾.  

No FDA-approved guidelines indicate the onset time to experience CBD’s therapeutic effects on TMD. 

How Long CBD May Help With TMJ Disorders 

The efficacy duration of CBD for TMD may differ based on the delivery method used.  

A review in the Frontiers in Pharmacology journal determined that the half-life of CBD was two to five days after individuals took a daily oral dose⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Half-life is defined as how much time is required for a substance’s amount to reduce to half of its original value⁽⁴¹⁾.

Meanwhile, past human and animal studies reported that the bioavailability of cannabidiol ranges from 13% to 19%⁽⁴²⁾.  

Bioavailability is known as the rate and degree to which an active drug ingredient is absorbed by the body and becomes available at the location of drug action⁽⁴³⁾.

CBD Risks and Side Effects: Is CBD Safe to Use for TMJ Disorders? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) deduced that CBD has a generally safe profile⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

Epidiolex, which treats two rare forms of epilepsy, is the only FDA-approved prescription drug containing CBD⁽⁴⁵⁾. The CBD-based drug treats Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Still, you should consider risk factors when using CBD for TMJ disorders⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

CBD may interact with other medications processed in the liver⁽⁴⁸⁾. Cannabidiol may incur alterations through enzymes that may increase or decrease the particular drug’s effects. 

The drug-to-drug interaction may lead to particular medications becoming a less effective treatment or an increased risk of side effects⁽⁴⁹⁾.

These CBD side effects may include⁽⁵⁰⁾:

• Dry mouth
• Reduced appetite
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Weight changes

Taking CBD alongside prescription medicines with similar side effects may increase the risk of unwanted symptoms or anxiety⁽⁵¹⁾.

It is advisable to deliberate with your doctor before taking CBD to avoid adverse drug interactions⁽⁵²⁾. 

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for TMJ Disorders

CBD products are regulated by state. Still, you should do your research to find high-quality CBD brands and products.   

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a study revealing discrepancies in the ingredients listed for CBD online products and products’ actual constituents⁽⁵³⁾. Thus, consumers should be careful when choosing which CBD products to buy.

Consider these issues to help find the best CBD oil for TMJ disorders:

Type of CBD Extract 

The three primary types of CBD oil extracts available on the market include:

• Full-spectrum CBD oil
• Broad-spectrum CBD oil
• CBD isolates 

Each extract is differentiated depending on the THC content. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil or whole-plant extract contains all active compounds of the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. 

Cannabinoids are cannabis-derived compounds. Terpenes are aromatic compounds, while flavonoids are plant metabolites.   

Full-spectrum products, including full-spectrum CBD oil, may induce a beneficial synergetic effect or the “entourage effect”⁽⁵⁴⁾. The entourage effect is the interaction of cannabis-derived constituents to cause greater therapeutic effects.

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains numerous cannabis-derived compounds, although typically THC-free.

CBD isolates are pure CBD and typically only contain cannabidiol molecules. These CBD products are usually available in slabs or powder form.  

Source of CBD Extract

Information on the source of CBD extracts ensures that a CBD brand or company adheres to standard farming protocols.  

States like Colorado, Kentucky, and North Carolina adhere to the hemp pilot program established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)⁽⁵⁵⁾. 

The USDA’s hemp pilot program regulates the states’ hemp farming plans and protocols⁽⁵⁶⁾. Organic hemp is typically free of genetically modified organisms (non-GMO). 

Extraction Method

When looking for CBD products, consider the extraction method or how manufacturers obtain the extracts. 

The CO2 extraction method is a commonly used technique. CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide to separate plant-based components, producing pure and safer products.   

Certificate of Analysis from Third-Party Labs

The certificate of analysis (COA) indicates all of the laboratory tests conducted to verify CBD products’ content, potency, and purity. CBD potency indicates the amount of cannabidiol per serving. 

The COA also shows tests on the possible contaminants, pesticides, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals in a product. 

Ingredients 

The ingredients list provides information on constituents like additives that may induce allergic reactions and adverse effects. 

Carrier oils like hempseed oil may complement cannabidiol’s health benefits. 

Legality of CBD

Over two-thirds of US states and the District of Columbia (DC) have legalized the use of cannabis through medical marijuana⁽⁵⁷⁾. Other U.S. states have legalized the use of cannabidiol, although restrictions may apply.   

The 2018 Farm Bill categorized hemp-derived CBD products as federally legal if they have 0.3% or lower THC content⁽⁵⁸⁾. 

Some states have also passed specific laws regarding the production and marketing of CBD products.