A randomized, double-blind pilot study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that nightly application of an intraoral cannabidiol (CBD) gel significantly reduced jaw muscle activity in adults with temporomandibular disorders, which are commonly associated with bruxism and chronic facial pain. The research was conducted by scientists from the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice and the Opole University of Technology.
The trial enrolled 20 adults diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders and randomly assigned them to apply either a CBD-only gel or a CBD gel combined with halloysite, a naturally occurring clay mineral believed to improve mucosal delivery and stability. Participants applied the gels nightly for six weeks. Researchers measured masseter muscle activity using surface electromyography before and after treatment.
Both formulations produced marked reductions in muscle activity. On average, masseter electromyography readings fell by roughly 38% in each group. Individual responses varied, with reductions ranging from just over 20% to more than 55% in the CBD-only group, while the CBD plus halloysite group showed a broader maximum response, reaching over 80% in some participants. The reductions were observed on both sides of the jaw and did not differ significantly between the two formulations when standard statistical tests were applied.
While overall effectiveness was similar, researchers noted that responses were more consistent among those using the CBD plus halloysite gel, suggesting a possible stabilizing effect on delivery. One sex-based difference reached statistical significance in a single formulation, though no consistent pattern emerged across treatments. Treatment duration was not associated with greater reductions in muscle activity, and no adverse events were reported.
The authors conclude that intraoral CBD gels may help reduce excessive jaw muscle activity in adults with temporomandibular disorders, while emphasizing the need for larger, placebo-controlled studies to confirm efficacy and determine optimal dosing.
More articles from The Marijuana Herald:
