Medicinal Cannabis: A New Frontier in Sports Dentistry
High-performance athletes face constant challenges related to orofacial pain, inflammation, and stress
Published at 12/14/2025In recent years, medicinal cannabis has moved beyond being a topic restricted to general medicine and has begun to occupy space in specific areas of health, such as sports dentistry.
Sports dentistry is an area that takes care of athletes' oral health, preventing and treating problems that can directly impact physical performance. In this context, medicinal cannabis, especially through its derivatives such as cannabidiol (CBD), emerges as an innovative tool.
High-performance athletes face constant challenges related to orofacial pain, inflammation, and stress, and it is precisely in this scenario that plant derivatives, especially cannabidiol (CBD), are being studied as allies.
Dental traumas, fractures, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common in contact sports. CBD, with its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce recovery time and minimize the use of opioids, which often have unwanted side effects.
Muscle tension and bruxism are recurring problems in athletes under pressure. Studies indicate that the controlled use of medicinal cannabis can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, factors directly linked to sports performance.
Recent research suggests that phytocannabinoids can be incorporated into dental products, such as toothpaste and mouthwashes, expanding prevention against oral bacteria. This innovation paves the way for specific protocols aimed at sports.
Despite the promises, the use of medicinal cannabis in sports dentistry still faces barriers:
• - Restrictive legislation in various countries.
• - Need for more clinical studies to establish safe protocols.
• - Risk of doping if there is no proper prescription and monitoring.
Nevertheless, medicinal cannabis emerges as an innovative therapeutic alternative in sports dentistry, offering benefits that go beyond pain treatment, reaching athletes' physical and psychological well-being.
References:
• Júdice, André; Botelho, João; Machado, Vanessa; Proença, Luís; Ferreira, Luciano M. A.; Fine, Peter; Mendes, José João.
Sports dentistry intricacies with season-related challenges and the role of athlete-centered outcomes.
Frontiers in Oral Health, 2025.
Available at: Frontiers
➝ Review of sports dentistry, highlighting seasonal challenges and the impact of oral health on athletes' performance.
• Mathews Open Access.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potentials of Cannabis Sativa in Dentistry: A Scientific Review.
Mathews Journal of Dentistry, 2024.
Available at: Mathews Open Access
➝ Scientific review on the effects of cannabis sativa on pain, inflammation, anxiety, and dental applications
She is a dentist, graduated 31 years ago from UNITAU, post-graduated in Periodontics, Implantology, and Pediatrics. She is a dentist at CECMedic (Center of Cannabinoid Excellence) and a member of SBEC (Brazilian Society of Cannabis Studies) and a professor at Sechat Academy.