Can CBD Help with Jaw Pain Relief? What the Science Says

Jaw tension. Clicking sounds. Teeth grinding. Pain while chewing. If you’ve ever experienced any of these, you might be among the millions of people dealing with "temporomandibular disorders" (TMD), causing what's commonly referred to as TMJ pain. These conditions affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, often causing persistent discomfort and frustration.

In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD) - a natural extract from the hemp plant - has emerged as a promising natural compound for supporting overall wellness. While many know it for its potential in helping with stress or sleep, new research is now exploring whether CBD could also provide relief for people living with jaw pain and orofacial tension.

A new study published in 2025 shines light on the therapeutic potential of CBD in managing conditions like TMJ and orofacial pain. But before diving into the findings, let’s break down what CBD actually is, what TMJ issues involve, and how these might be connected.

What Exactly Is CBD, and How Does It Work?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another well-known compound from cannabis, CBD is non-intoxicating - meaning it doesn’t cause a "high."

CBD interacts with a network in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Think of the ECS as a communication system made up of receptors and chemical messengers. It helps regulate things like pain perception, inflammation, mood, and sleep.

By supporting the ECS, CBD may help maintain balance in the body - a state known as homeostasis. This is why researchers are increasingly curious about how CBD might assist in managing discomfort, calming inflammation, and promoting a general sense of wellbeing.

Understanding Jaw Pain Relief

Temporomandibular disorders are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint (called the temporomandibular joint) and the muscles around it. These joints are responsible for moving your jaw up and down, side to side - everything from chewing and talking to yawning.

TMD symptoms can vary, but they often include:

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw, face, neck or shoulders

• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

• Clicking, popping, or grinding noises when moving the jaw

• Headaches or earaches

• Facial muscle fatigue

What makes TMD particularly challenging is that it often has more than one cause. It could be related to muscle tension, stress-induced jaw clenching, arthritis, or even structural issues within the joint itself. And while short-term jaw discomfort can resolve on its own, chronic TMD can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected.

What the Latest Research Says About Cannabidiol and Jaw Pain

A 2025 scientific review published in the journal Pharmaceutics examined the potential of CBD in managing TMD and orofacial pain. The researchers looked at various studies and experimental models to understand how CBD interacts with the nervous system and pain pathways.

What they found is promising: CBD appears to influence several biological systems that are involved in pain and inflammation. For example, it may help modulate how pain signals are processed in the brain and spinal cord, while also interacting with local systems in the jaw muscles and tissues.

The review highlighted several ways CBD could be beneficial:

• It could reduce inflammation in tissues around the jaw joint

• Pain management: calming overactive nerves that transmit pain signals

• Balancing neurotransmitters that affect how pain is perceived

While these effects have mostly been observed in preclinical studies and models, they support the idea that CBD could be a useful tool for managing the discomfort associated with conditions like TMD. However, as the authors note, more robust clinical studies are needed to fully understand the role and effectiveness of the use of CBD for TMJ pain in humans.

How CBD can Help Support Jaw and Facial Muscle Comfort

Though we can’t make any medical claims, the existing research gives us some insight into why CBD might be helpful for people experiencing jaw tension or discomfort.

Many people with TMD describe feeling tightness or soreness in the jaw muscles — often as a result of unconscious clenching or grinding (especially during sleep or stressful moments). CBD has been studied for its potential to help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation, which could be beneficial in this context.

Additionally, inflammation is a major factor in chronic pain, including jaw-related discomfort. CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in calming irritation in the muscles and joints involved in chewing and facial movement.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of CBD can vary based on individual factors like dosage, delivery method, and the consistency of use. What works well for one person may not feel the same for another.

Choosing the Best CBD Product for Jaw Tension or Discomfort

If you’re exploring CBD to support relief from jaw pain or facial tension, it’s worth understanding the different formats available and what might suit your routine:

• CBD oils: Taken under the tongue for systemic support. Can be helpful if your symptoms are linked to stress or overall tension.

• CBD cream: Applied directly to the jaw area. May be useful for localised discomfort or muscle tightness.

• CBD gummies: Easy to dose, slow-release. Good for daily routines.

No matter the format, look for products that are third-party lab tested, free from contaminants, and clearly labelled. Full-spectrum CBD or broad-spectrum CBD options that contain a wider spectrum of cannabinoids may also provide additional plant compounds that work in synergy with CBD, a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect".

Incorporating CBD Oil Into a Broader Wellness Routine

Managing TMD or jaw discomfort often requires a multi-layered approach. While CBD may offer supportive benefits, it’s most effective when integrated into a balanced lifestyle.

Some complementary strategies might include:

• Jaw exercises or physical therapy to improve movement and relieve tension

• Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation

• Heat therapy or massage to relax tight muscles

• Avoiding hard or chewy foods during flare-ups

CBD can be a part of this remedy toolkit - helping support your body’s response to stress and discomfort. Just remember: consistency is key, and results often take time.

Before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re managing a health condition or taking medication, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Using CBD: A Promising Path for Natural Dental Pain Support

Jaw disorders can be difficult to live with, especially when symptoms become chronic. While research is still developing, CBD shows encouraging signs as a natural tool to support jaw health and manage orofacial discomfort.

The key takeaway? It’s not about replacing medical advice, pain relievers, or chasing miracle cures. It’s about exploring safe, plant-based options that may help you feel more balanced and at ease in your body.

As science continues to uncover more about CBD and its interaction with pain pathways, we’ll be watching closely.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Walczyńska-Dragon K, Kurek-Górecka A, Fiegler-Rudol J, Nitecka-Buchta A, Baron S. The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain. Pharmaceutics. 2025 Mar 3;17(3):328.