Cannabidiol Intervention for Muscular Tension, Pain, and Sleep Bruxism Intensity—A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the most prevalent non-dental pain issues in the maxillofacial region. Despite advancements, diagnosing and managing TMDs continues to pose challenges. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) formulations, with different concentrations, in patients experiencing sleep bruxism and muscle-related TMDs, with a particular emphasis on their myorelaxant, pain-relieving, and bruxism-reducing properties. Methods: The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMDs) was utilized as the diagnostic framework. Sixty patients completed the study, which followed a parallel-group, three-arm, randomized, double-blind clinical trial design, with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio across three groups: 1a, 1b, and 2. Groups 1a and 1b received CBD formulations at concentrations of 10% and 5%, respectively, while Group 2 received a placebo formulation. The trial consisted of four main visits, namely screening, baseline, first follow-up after 14 days, and second follow-up after 30 days, during which surface electromyography (sEMG), the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain assessment, and Bruxoff examinations were conducted. Results: The reduction in pain, as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), among patients using the 10% CBD formulation was 57.4% (p < 0.05), accompanied by a decrease in sEMG activity by 42.1% (p < 0.05). Conversely, individuals using the 5% CBD formulation experienced a 40.8% (p < 0.05) decrease in pain. Regarding the decrease in the sleep bruxism index, users of the 10% CBD formulation saw the highest reduction of 51% (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the efficacy of the proposed treatment in both experimental groups, with a notable advantage observed in Group 1a. Conversely, the outcomes of the selected variables for the control group did not exhibit significant differences throughout the study. Conclusions: The intraoral use of CBD formulations in patients with TMDs have proven to be a successful treatment for reducing pain, muscle tension, and bruxing activity in individuals with sleep bruxism and muscle-related TMDs. Specifically, a concentration of 10% CBD has demonstrated superior results compared to 5% CBD.