Effect of Cannabidiol-Based Mouthwash on Dental Enamel: An In Situ Study"

• Grant number: 24/06051-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Pediatric Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda de Carvalho Panzeri
• Grantee: Anna Luísa Araujo Pimenta
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Dental caries is caused by the accumulation of microbial biofilm and exposure to fermentable carbohydrates (sucrose) and is a global public health issue. Oral hygiene products, such as fluoride-containing toothpaste used with a toothbrush, are the most effective methods for preventing this disease. Complementary methods, like mouthwash, may also be recommended for specific clinical situations. However, chlorhexidine, the gold standard among mouthwashes, can cause side effects, including tooth staining. Therefore, the search for products without adverse effects, particularly those containing natural therapeutic agents, is ongoing. Currently, there is growing interest in cannabidiol (CBD)-based products due to their proven therapeutic effects in various areas of medicine. Furthermore, there are reports of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potential, but the literature in Dentistry, particularly regarding its efficacy against dental biofilm, is scarce. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the in situ effect of experimental mouthwashes containing different concentrations of CBD on the physical and mechanical properties of dental enamel, comparing them with a chlorhexidine control, in addition to analyzing the dental biofilm on treated surfaces. The study will use bovine tooth fragments (6x6x2 mm) that will be sterilized and fixed in intraoral devices worn by 14 participants selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Experimental mouthwashes with different concentrations of CBD (0%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) and 0.12% chlorhexidine as a control will be tested. The study will be conducted in a crossover design, where participants will begin with a 7-day washout period. Every seven days, one side of the devices will be exposed to cariogenic challenges with 20% sucrose solution, and the other side to treatments, which will be randomly assigned. After each treatment period, the device will be collected for biofilm sampling, and a new washout period will begin. In addition to microbiological analysis of each participant's biofilm, the surface roughness, microhardness, and color stability of the enamel will be measured before and after treatments. Changes in roughness, relative microhardness, and color stability (¿E00) will be evaluated. Surface analysis of the specimens will be performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results will be analyzed for data normality and compared statistically using the most appropriate statistical test. (AU)