CBD and the Health of Our Teeth

CBD and the Health of Our Teeth

CBD Oil Can Effectively Prevent Gum Diseases

Oral health is an essential part of overall hygiene and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities, gum diseases, and gum infections, which result in inflammation. Recently, a range of dental care products containing CBD and other cannabinoids has hit the market, showing promising potential for oral hygiene.
* Cannabinoids is the collective term for beneficial compounds produced by the cannabis plant. Besides CBD, cannabinoids include CBG, THC, CBC, CBN, and others.

The latest data indicate that cannabinoids could become a fundamental part of dental care in the coming years. Many toothpaste manufacturers have taken note of studies showing that CBD and other beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant possess antimicrobial properties. Colgate has even acquired a company that produces CBD-containing toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Research Findings: Better Than Colgate.

A 2020 study by Belgian researchers revealed that cannabinoids reduce the number of bacterial colonies in dental plaque more effectively than trusted synthetic oral care products like Oral-B and Colgate. To demonstrate this, the researchers recruited sixty healthy adults and divided them into six groups based on the Dutch Periodontal Scoring Index (DPSI), which measures various levels of gum health.

Samples were collected from interdental areas and then placed into Petri dishes. Each dish was divided into four sections, where different cannabinoids or toothpastes were applied to the samples. In Petri dish A, a combination of four plant-derived cannabinoids—CBD, cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CNB), and cannabigerol (CBG)—was used. Dish B contained cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), Oral-B, Colgate, and Cannabite F (a toothpaste made from pomegranate and algae). The results showed a significantly higher bacterial colony count on surfaces treated with Colgate, Oral-B, and Cannabite F, whereas all cannabinoid-treated surfaces exhibited markedly lower bacterial counts.

In a follow-up study, the same research team found that alcohol- and fluoride-free mouthwashes containing less than 1% CBD and CBG were more effective at reducing plaque than mouthwashes with 0.2% chlorhexidine. This is a notable discovery, as chlorhexidine mouthwashes are currently considered the most effective tool for plaque reduction in dental care.

Chlorhexidine is a widely used disinfectant found in mouthwashes, dental products, and surgical disinfectants. Although effective against bacteria, its use can be accompanied by certain side effects. These can vary depending on how the product is used, duration, and individual sensitivity. The most common side effects include:

Oral discoloration: Prolonged use of chlorhexidine mouthwashes can cause brownish or yellowish staining on the teeth, gums, and tongue. While not harmful, it can be aesthetically displeasing.

Changes in taste perception: Use of chlorhexidine can alter taste sensitivity.

Irritation of the oral mucosa: Long-term use of chlorhexidine may irritate the mouth’s mucous membranes, causing burning sensations, dryness, or pain.

Allergic reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions may occur, such as skin rashes, itching, swelling, or in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

Mucous layer formation in the mouth: Some users report that chlorhexidine use leads to the formation of a thin mucous layer in the oral cavity, causing discomfort.

The Latest Research

One of the most recent studies, published in February 2024, examined the potential use of CBD for periodontal disease in a human clinical trial.

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, including the gums and the supporting bone. There are two main types:

Gingivitis: This is the early stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflamed gums. It is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene when plaque accumulates on the tooth surfaces. Symptoms include gum bleeding, swelling, and redness, but at this stage, the condition is still reversible.

Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This more severe condition involves damage to the bones and tissues supporting the teeth. During periodontitis, teeth may become loose and, in extreme cases of bone loss, fall out. At this stage, the damage is irreversible, but proper treatment can slow down the progression.

The clinical trial lasted 56 days, during which participants with gingivitis were divided into three groups. One group used a dental gel without CBD, the second group used a dental gel containing 1% CBD, and the third group used a dental gel containing 1% chlorhexidine digluconate.

The results were encouraging, showing clear and significant improvements following the use of CBD. CBD reduced inflammation and the growth of periodontal bacteria. Patients reported no harmful side effects.
The English summary of the study is available here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38311974/

The potential of CBD and other plant cannabinoids in dental care is enormous. However, it is important to note that further clinical studies are needed to fully evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of oral hygiene products enriched with CBD. 


References:

  • Stahl V, Vasudevan K. Comparison of Efficacy of Cannabinoids versus Commercial Oral Care Products in Reducing Bacterial Content from Dental Plaque: A Preliminary Observation. Cureus. 2020 Jan 29;12(1):e6809. doi: 10.7759/cureus.6809. PMID: 32038896; PMCID: PMC6991146.
  • Vasudevan, K., Stahl, V. Cannabinoids infused mouthwash products are as effective as chlorhexidine on inhibition of total-culturable bacterial content in dental plaque samples. J Cannabis Res 2, 20 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-020-00027-z

It's important to remember that CBD Oil is not a miracle cure! The foundations of maintaining our health are regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a stress-free lifestyle. None of these can be replaced by CBD! The

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