CANNABIDIOL HOLDS MULTIPLE BENEFITS FOR ORAL HEALTH

by Keith Dobracki

There is a huge boom in cannabidiol (CBD) oil research, and the natural compound may offer more health benefits than first imagined. CBD oil toothpaste and mouthwash can help eliminate gum disease and prevent cavities, and there are dozens of studies examining its ability to improve oral health such as antibacterial properties, reducing inflammation, aiding remineralization and more.

An attractive smile starts with good oral health. Most people have 250 to 300 different strains of bacteria in their mouth at any given time. Certain bacteria may cause bad breath and disease. Some strains are necessary for digestion and others, like Streptococcus salivarius K12, actually release substances which keep unfriendly bacteria at bay according to Scientific American. which says, “Many current treatments do not improve oral ecology—in fact, they might make matters worse. Although some mouthwashes merely mask unpleasant odors, alcohol-based rinses sold in drugstores and prescription rinses containing chlorhexidine or other antiseptics target all oral bacteria, stinky and otherwise.” On one level, people report that mouthwash and toothpaste impact the taste of food or create tingling and burning in the mouth. Alcohol-based solutions also dry out tissues, which can increase bad breath and contribute to disease. More alarmingly, these products destroy the good bacteria that keep the bad in check, allowing bacteria responsible for infections and disease the opportunity to flourish. Research on the benefits of CBD toothpaste and mouthwash is booming. Researchers found that CBD can diminish the inflammation associated with periodontal disease.

Improve Overall Health. The American Academy of Periodontology reports, “For a long time, it was thought that bacteria was the factor that linked periodontal disease to other disease in the body; however, more recent research demonstrates that inflammation may be responsible for the association.” The organization links periodontal disease with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, respiratory disease and cancer.

Restore pH and Increase Remineralization. Acids are produced when oral bacteria break down carbohydrates, which include most sugars. These acids cause the pH of the mouth to drop, which results in an acidic environment in which minerals are stripped from teeth and they become susceptible to decay. Teeth naturally absorb the minerals in saliva and grow stronger in a neutral pH environment, so it’s imperative to maintain a neutral pH as much as possible. Because CBD has antibacterial properties, a pH-balanced mouth will stay balanced.

Reduce Bone Loss Associated with Gum Disease. Bone loss associated with advanced gum disease can only be repaired with surgery. Recent CBD research found those that undergo CBD treatment lose less bone than those who go without; there is a noticeable difference in bone levels in as little as 30 days.

There is a snowball effect associated with oral health. When one area is out of balance, the other areas become unbalanced. This is true of the whole body, because all systems interact with each other and can either contribute to wellness or disease. In general, inflammation may be linked to everything from depression to Alzheimer’s disease, per studies conducted by the Cleveland Clinic. Clearly, overall health is undeniably linked to oral health.

Naturally Eliminate Decay-Causing Bacteria. Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are associated with tooth decay, but others can contribute. Research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that CBD can eliminate both, thus reducing the risk of getting cavities.

Reduce Inflammation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of all Americans over age 30 have gum disease. At its early stages, gum disease may appear with minor symptoms like inflammation, bleeding and soreness, but when it progresses, people have issues like bone and tooth loss. Keith Dobracki, DDS, is a board-certified biological dentist, member of the holistic dental association and owner of Ann Arbor’s Dentist. For more information, visit AnnArborsDentist.com. See ad on back cover.