THE USE OF CANNABIDIOL IN PAIN MANAGEMENT IN TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS

Abstract

This article aimed to evaluate the potential of cannabidiol in managing pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), considering its possible benefits and limitations. This study consists of a narrative literature review conducted through searches in the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, using the descriptors “cannabis,” “cannabidiol,” “CBD,” “THC,” “temporomandibular disorders,” and “pain,” combined using the Boolean operators AND and OR. The results indicated potential benefits associated with reduced pain intensity and muscle activity, as well as improvements in mandibular function and sleep-related aspects. These findings may be associated with the action of cannabidiol on mechanisms involved in pain and inflammation modulation. However, differences were observed among studies regarding methods of administration, concentrations, and treatment periods, in addition to limitations related to sample sizes. It is concluded that cannabidiol has therapeutic potential for managing TMD-related pain; however, the available evidence remains insufficient to establish definitive clinical protocols. Further studies are needed to clarify its efficacy and safety.