Study: Cannabinoids Show Selective Antibacterial Effects Against Common Dental Pathogens

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

January 2, 2026

Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows that cannabinoids CBD, CBN, and THC have selective antibacterial effects against key dental pathogens associated with persistent endodontic infections. Scientists from University of Detroit Mercy tested these compounds against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum—bacteria often resistant to standard root canal treatments. The study measured minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations in planktonic bacteria, and assessed biofilm disruption using crystal violet assays and live/dead staining, with sodium hypochlorite as a control. All three cannabinoids inhibited planktonic E. faecalis and S. mutans, with bactericidal effects on E. faecalis but incomplete elimination of S. mutans. In biofilms, higher concentrations reduced viability in E. faecalis and S. mutans, though measurable degradation occurred primarily in E. faecalis. No inhibitory effects were observed on F. nucleatum, highlighting pathogen-specific selectivity possibly due to differences in cell structures or metabolism. These findings suggest cannabinoids could serve as adjunctive agents in endodontic care to combat resistant infections. While promising, the authors stress the need for clinical studies to validate therapeutic applications in dental practice.