CBD for TMJ & Clenched Jaw Pain

Ever woken up with a jaw that feels like it’s been hit by a sledgehammer? You’re not alone—TMJ pain affects millions. Simply put, the TMJ is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, allowing you to talk, chew, yawn, and more. When this joint isn’t functioning properly, it can cause a range of problems that make these everyday actions uncomfortable.

When the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) isn't functioning correctly, it can lead to a condition known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder), which instigates a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, difficulty moving your jaw, or even having your jaw get stuck. You might also notice a popping or clicking sound when opening or closing your jaw, and experience significant pain when trying to eat.

The impact of TMD often extends beyond just the jaw, leading to issues like tinnitus, teeth grinding, neck and back pain, and even poor posture due to jaw misalignment. 

While there's no quick fix for TMJ, CBD provides a natural alternative to conventional treatments that can help relieve jaw pain and discomfort.

So, where’s the proof that CBD can help TMJ? 

The National Library of Medicine published a recent study exploring how CBD may alleviate symptoms of TMJ, particularly by targeting pain and inflammation. The result? This research study concluded that CBD helped with pain relief, muscle relaxation, and anxiety reduction, all of which are common symptoms associated with TMJ. 

The key takeaway? CBD’s ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety was shown to help decrease stress-related behaviors like teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which are common contributors to TMJ. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder, CBD oil offers a holistic approach to managing pains related to clenched jaws. 

It’s not a cure, but it can help with managing related pains 

Although research on CBD suggests that it can help in decreasing inflammation and pain, it is not a cure for TMJ. Using CBD for TMJ pain can relieve discomfort by easing muscle tension, reducing inflammation, decreasing stress, and assisting in restful sleep, but it won’t eliminate the problem. 

CBD is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Reliever

Reduces inflammation and sensitivity to pain

So how does CBD work within the body to help alleviate TMJ pain? It influences the endocannabinoid system—also called the ECS—that plays a crucial role in regulating pain severity and immune responses, like inflammation. CBD won’t numb your clenched jaw nor entirely prohibit inflammation, but it will help dull such sensations and bodily responses. 

Another benefit of CBD is that its muscle-relaxing properties help ease muscle tension and reduce jaw clenching, which are common causes of TMJ discomfort.

CBD vs. NSAIDs – how they compare for clenched jaw pain 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, better known as NSAIDs, include over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications like Advil and Motrin. These medications can indeed provide relief for TMJ pain and reduce swelling. However, long-term use can lead to side effects like stomach irritation or kidney issues, so they’re not ideal for regular usage. 

Alternatively, CBD oil for jaw clenching and discomfort can offer relief without the negative side effects of medication. Plus, unlike NSAIDs, CBD can help address underlying causes of TMJ, such as stress and sleep issues. 

CBD Can Help Reduce Stress That Can Contribute to TMJ

CBD is widely praised for its ability to reduce stress, a major trigger for TMJ issues. Beyond promoting restful sleep, it helps ease the anxiety that often causes teeth grinding and jaw clenching—both of which can lead to TMJ. Left untreated, these habits can result in jaw misalignment and muscle tension around the head and neck, creating a vicious cycle of stress and pain that can severely affect your day-to-day well-being.

CBD is renowned for its calming effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and address some of the underlying causes of TMJ pain. 

New to Using CBD? Here’s What to Know

CBD isn’t psychoactive

Unlike other cannabinoids from the hemp plant, such as THC, CBD does not produce mind-altering effects, often referred to as a “high.” CBD is an entirely different compound from THC and will not impair mental or physical functioning. 

Minimal known side-effects

CBD is often well-tolerated, with little to no side effects. The possible mild side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, or gastrointestinal issues. However, most users do not experience such side-effects. 

CBD is different from hemp seed oil

While both CBD and hemp seed oil come from the hemp plant, they are distinct substances. Hemp seed oil is rich in nutrients like omegas, amino acids, magnesium, and potassium, which support overall health and reduce inflammation. However, unlike CBD, it doesn’t interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, meaning it won’t deliver the same potent pain relief or anti-stress benefits for TMJ pain relief. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil applied sublingually will provide the most powerful results.

Full-spectrum CBD oil is the most potent and effective type of CBD, especially for treating TMJ pain, inflammation, and stress. This type of CBD oil includes all the terpenes, cannabinoids, and chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant – aka the good stuff – including trace amounts of THC. When CBD and THC work together, they create the entourage effect, delivering more potent effects than when CBD is on its own. 

Sublingual use of CBD means placing drops from a tincture under your tongue and holding it there for about a minute. This method lets CBD quickly enter your bloodstream through the veins in your mouth, skipping the digestive system for faster absorption. This is a very effective way of using CBD for TMJ pain and inflammation relief throughout your whole body because it delivers CBD directly, leading to quicker results.

Dosage will vary from one person to the next

CBD oil can generally be taken once or twice a day, but the dosage will vary from one person to the next based on weight, metabolism, food and drink intake, and any other medications being used. Whether you’re using CBD for TMJ or another cause, always best to start with a small dose and work your way up. 

Shop For CBD With Botanika Life

When searching for a quality CBD product to treat your TMJ symptoms, look no further than the Elite Elixir. Crafted with just two powerful ingredients—1,500mg of inflammation-fighting CBD and nutrient-rich hemp seed oil—this premium elixir is one of the most potent available. Its strength means you can use less while still achieving effective pain relief for your TMJ.

Backed by third-party lab testing, Botanika Life provides top-quality, organic ingredients in all products, with various skincare and pain-relieving options to support your health and well-being.

 

By Emily Wegener

With a unique background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Masters Degree in Teaching and experience in Psychology, Emily spends much of her time researching and trying out new holistic healing modalities.