As more research emerges about the therapeutic benefits of the cannabis-based compound cannabidiol (CBD), consumers continue to seek CBD as an alternative treatment for a number of ailments and disorders.
When it comes to tooth and gum care, CBD has been shown to include a variety of incredible benefits in regards to overall oral health. When coupled with a consistent focus on toothbrushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, CBD can be a powerful supplement to an oral health care routine.
One of the reasons that CBD offers such profound healing is due to its many healing properties, such as:
- Antiseptic – helps protect against microbes and germs
- Antibacterial – destroys and inhibits the growth of bacteria
- Analgesic – aids in reducing pain and providing relief
Based on these properties, CBD is being more widely accepted as a valid treatment for many oral health conditions and for the prevention of associated ailments.
The Importance of Oral Health
Oral health can impact more than just teeth and gums. Prolonged infections can lead to more serious conditions and potential complications related to overall health. Because your mouth is closely connected to your respiratory and digestive tracts, bacteria can lead to further complications and diseases.
Further examples of conditions that can be impacted by bacteria and germs traveling to other areas of your body include pneumonia, pregnancy and birth complications, endocarditis, and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HI/AIDS, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Protecting your oral health includes practicing good oral hygiene on a daily basis. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash to remove germs and particles leftover from food, and flossing daily.
Additionally, other tips for encouraging routine oral health include eating a healthy diet, limiting sugars, avoiding tobacco use, scheduling regular dental cleanings and check-ups, and replacing your toothbrush every three months or sooner.
Bacterial and Fungal Growth
Because cannabidiol helps to regulate the endocannabinoid system, it also includes the immune system. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of cannabinoids may help to prevent or inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria that may damage the teeth and gums.
In particular, CBD oil has been shown to be effective in fighting off the oral bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which is a major factor in tooth decay.
Further studies are pointing to the fact that CBD can help to destroy fungus as well, which could help to treat conditions such as thrush. Thrush is a condition in which a form of fungus grows in the mouth and can cause swelling and pain.
Reduction of Inflammation and Pain
Many people suffer from inflamed and painful gums, due to poor dental hygiene, bacterial conditions, or improper brushing techniques. These practices and conditions can also lead to bleeding gums.
Because CBD has well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, it may be a good treatment option for those who experience inflammation due to cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Combined with regular dental care, CBD can not only reduce the pain caused by these conditions but helps to lessen swelling and discomfort.
Additionally, cannabidiol can help to strengthen the bones of teeth and stimulate new bone growth
CBD and TMJ
A common oral condition called TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) causes pain in the jaw and the muscles surrounding it that control movement and function. Clinical studies have found that Cannabidiol helps to reduce symptoms of TMJ, such as inflammation and sensitivity to pain. CBD also works to reduce stress and anxiety, which are additional causes of TMG and teeth grinding.
Using CBD for Oral Health
Thanks to the various ways to use, apply, and ingest CBD, there are many ways to use cannabidiol to meet your unique oral health care needs.
One of the easiest ways to reap the benefits of CBD is to place a few drops of CBD oil on your toothpaste before you brush your teeth. This can be CBD in tincture form or oil form. Regular use of CBD oil in this manner will help to prevent bacteria and fungal growth, strengthen your teeth, reduce swelling and inflammation, promote healing of damaged gums or decay, and minimize pain.
CBD oil or tincture can also be applied directly to the gums and teeth to absorb quickly and effectively. This can be useful for faster pain relief and to lessen the swelling of affected areas.
Some people enjoy the practice of routine oil pulling. To do this, you can swish CBD oil in your mouth for approximately thirty seconds to a minute and then spit it out into the sink. Alternatively, you can combine a few drops of CBD tincture or oil into coconut oil and follow the same protocol. Oil pulling is thought to draw out impurities and toxins from the mouth in order to strengthen oral health.
CBD Can Boost Oral Health
As with any oral health medical treatment, it’s important to always consult your dental or oral health professional before proceeding with treatment. While CBD continues to be shown as a safe, natural, and effective option for tooth and gum care, it is still a relatively new choice that is in the midst of being studied and researched.
But health care professionals and patients alike continue to share their success stories of how the healing properties of CBD has made a positive impact on their overall oral health.
