Smile! Interesting Facts about CBD and Oral Health

Americans are using CBD now more than ever.  According to Consumer Reports, over a quarter of U.S. adults have tried CBD.  As more research comes out on the potential benefits and uses of CBD, the market for CBD products has exploded. The science of how CBD works is still being discovered. Numerous studies support its potential therapeutic uses for all kinds of health conditions like migraines, insomnia, and arthritis. One use of CBD products that you may not have heard of is CBD for oral health.

Oral health is an often overlooked area of our health, but dental health plays an integral role in your overall health.  Poor dental health has been associated with other serious health issues like heart disease and Alzheimer’s.  Taking better care of your teeth, preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss has been shown to lead to better all-around health. Aside from that, who doesn’t want a healthy smile?

You might be surprised to learn that CBD has been shown to have a number of oral health benefits.  The hemp-derived compound has been shown to have antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.  With all these beneficial properties, it may also help improve your oral health. Read on to find out why.

​CBD may work better than Oral B and Colgate in reducing the bacteria that cause dental plaque.  

In a 2020 study in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, researchers compared the use of cannabinoids to reduce the bacterial content of dental plaques with oral care products like Oral B and Colgate toothpaste.  The researchers reviewed the periodontal health of 60 adults.  Then collected samples from dental plaques of each of the adults. They placed the samples in two separate Petri dishes, one with CBD (cannabidiol), CBC (cannabichromene), CBN (cannabinol), and CBG (cannabigerol). The other with Oral B, Colgate, and Cannabite F (a toothpaste made from pomegranate and algae). They sealed the Petri dishes and allowed the bacteria colonies to incubate for 24 hours.  The Petri dish that contained cannabinoids had significantly less bacterial growth than the ones containing oral care products.

While this study was performed in vitro, the findings are promising. As we study CBD more, we may find new potential uses including using CBD to reduce the bacteria that cause plaque formation.

​Research suggests that CBD may reduce tooth decay

​Although we don’t have enough research to say that CBD can prevent tooth decay, several studies support the idea that CBD could be beneficial in strengthening your teeth and reducing the amount of dental decay. Here’s why. Did you know that your mouth contains 200-300 types of bacteria? Bacteria called Streptococcus mutans are the main cause of tooth decay. Exciting new research suggests that CBD may reduce the amount of bacterial growth in your mouth.  This bacteria is the main source of dental decay (see study mentioned previously).

​CBD may help prevent tooth loss

In addition to this, there is strong evidence that CBD supports bone health and healing. A 2019 study on cannabinoids and bone regulation states that the “Cannabinoid system has been shown to have positive effects on bone metabolism.” While most of the research on cannabinoids has been conducted in animals, the research suggests that CBD can improve bone health.  

Why is this important? While teeth are not bones, bone health directly contributes to dental health.  As we age, our bone density decreases.  When your jaw bone becomes weaker, it can make your teeth more susceptible to bacteria.  A healthy jaw bone also keeps your teeth from becoming loose or falling out. 

​CBD may help with gum disease

​Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is caused by an infection in the soft and hard tissues in your mouth.  When your gums become inflamed and infected, it can cause swelling, bleeding, and tooth loss. Gum disease is generally caused by poor brushing and flossing habits, but it can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.  CBD may help with gum disease because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

​Other reasons why CBD may be beneficial for oral health

  Tooth Sensitivity

There isn’t a lot of information on CBD for tooth sensitivity and pain; however, because of its analgesic properties, it may reduce tooth sensitivity.

Dental procedure anxiety
For some patients, CBD may help with anxiety during dental procedures. 
There is still a lot to learn about CBD, but numerous preclinical studies have shown that CBD has potential anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.  In a 2020 study on Cannabidiol prescription in clinical practice, the authors reported positive findings, and suggest that CBD may be beneficial in treating anxiety and pain.

All of these potential dental health benefits, make CBD a promising alternative for improving your oral health. Could CBD toothpaste and mouthwash make your smile better?