Sleep Dentistry and the Benefits of Medicinal Cannabis
A study conducted by the Medicinal Cannabis Program of the state of Minnesota followed over 3,000 patients with obstructive sleep apnea between 2018 and 2023
Published at 11/09/2025Do you know what Sleep Dentistry is?
Sleep Dentistry is a branch of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders that affect the oral cavity and adjacent structures. This specialty primarily deals with the management of the following conditions:
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): breathing interruptions during sleep caused by obstructions in the upper airways.
• Snoring: vibration of throat tissues during sleep, which may indicate a partial obstruction.
• Bruxism: grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep, often associated with stress or malocclusion.
In sleep apnea, these breathing interruptions can lead to symptoms such as chronic fatigue, mood changes, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Conventional treatments include the use of CPAP devices, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical procedures.
In recent years, the use of CBD has been explored as a therapeutic alternative for patients with sleep apnea, offering benefits such as:
• Reduction of inflammation in the airways, which can help in cases of obstructive apnea.
• Improvement in sleep quality, with fewer nighttime awakenings and deeper sleep.
• Reduction of anxiety and stress, factors that can worsen apnea symptoms.
Medicinal cannabis has proven to be an ally in Sleep Dentistry, especially in the treatment of bruxism, anxiety, and orofacial pain - conditions that compromise sleep quality. Its use can complement conventional therapies and improve patients' well-being, thanks to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant properties.
A study conducted by the Medicinal Cannabis Program of the state of Minnesota followed over 3,000 patients with obstructive sleep apnea between 2018 and 2023. The results indicated that many reported improved sleep quality and symptom reduction after using cannabis-based products.
Another study suggested that CBD can act as a neurological modulator, helping regulate breathing during sleep.
Dentists treating these disorders can, and should, consider prescribing medicinal cannabis to assist their patients, providing better sleep and quality of life.
It is important to note that cannabis treatment does not necessarily replace intraoral devices or conventional therapies. Each case should be evaluated individually, but the medicinal use of the plant can be an effective complement in selected situations.
She is a dentist, graduated 31 years ago from UNITAU, post-graduated in Periodontology, 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.