Cannabinoids as a Natural Non-Invasive Alternative for Decay-Intervention

Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of cannabinoid extracts on caries-inducing bacteria in vitro, and to examine its efficacy as a caries-preventive modality using a novel in vitro caries model.
Methods: The lytic activity of four cannabinoid extracts against Mutans streptococci was tested in vitro, by Direct contact test. Then, hemi-mandibles dissected from euthanized healthy mice were autoclaved and subjected to caries-promoting conditions in vitro. After 5 days the mice teeth were evaluated. Evaluation included caries scoring using hemi-sectioned first molars, photographic depiction and microCT analysis.
Results: Two cannabinoid extracts have shown to inhibit the bacterial growth and prevent caries, while other two extracts have shown to enable bacterial growth, with significant demineralization of the enamel and dentin.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that certain cannabinoid extracts can inhibit S. mutans bacterial growth and prevent carious lesions development. The present finding suggests a new and promising idea of using cannabinoid extracts as a novel modality to combat caries-inducing bacteria.