In this article we’re covering CBD hemp oil for oral health and what the latest scientific research is telling us about how we can keep our gums and teeth healthy and free from the nasty bacteria that can cause gingivitis and other gum and bone wasting conditions.
Before we get into oral health and how cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) can assist with oral health we want to cover what CBD hemp oil is and the range of other cannabis derived products so you can make an informed, educated decision.
CBD Hemp Oil
CBD oil, hemp oil, full spectrum, broad spectrum, CBD oil with THC, whole plant hemp oil…
All names of products derived from the cannabis plant and depending on the country you reside in, will depend on what products are available for you to purchase either over the counter or with a prescription from your medical practitioner.
CBD hemp oil is a product derived from hemp, but the hemp plant has been specifically bred to contain high levels of CBD. When this product is formulated into an oil, it will usually contain both cannabidiol, and the naturally occurring compounds that come with standard cold-pressed hemp seed oil such as the fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9.
Full spectrum is hemp seed oil that in most countries contains a wide variety of naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant such as terpenes, cannabinoids, fatty acids, flavonoids and natural plant phytosterols. All of these compounds work together to produce synergy and enhance the products effectiveness producing what is recognized in the industry as the “entourage effect.”
Broad spectrum is similar to full spectrum in that it already contains compounds from the cannabis plant, but it contains zero tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is designed for people who have an aversion to the cannabinoid. Depending on which country you reside and the governing cannabis laws will depend on whether full spectrum will have virtually nil THC levels or some. Broad spectrum is usually found in countries where all cannabis products have been legalized, for in that case, people are specifically looking to avoid THC.
CBD oil is a product containing either natural or synthetically derived cannabidiol (CBD) in its purest most isolated form. This is in many cases a pharmaceutical product, however pending country of origin and corresponding laws, you may find CBD oil over-the-counter which has been bred from hemp and still contains trace amounts of naturally occurring plant compounds even though it has largely been isolated. This product is quite a bit different from CBD hemp oil.
CBD oil with THC is the same as the aforementioned version of CBD, however the manufacturer has added THC to the blend in usually a 1:1 ratio so as to eliminate the side effects from THC typically experienced when there’s little to no CBD present. CBD neutralizes the psychoactive effects of THC and this is why people may want to have a THC product with CBD in it.
In New Zealand CBD oil is legal to purchase with a prescription through a licenced medical professional. Next we’ll be covering what the science tells us about cannabidiol as it relates to oral health...
Oral Health
The cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD) has been hailed for its antimicrobial properties and capabilities of combating viral, fungal and bacterial infections. Additionally, it can help to stop infection from developing in the first place.
This is proving to be exceptionally helpful in the realm of maintaining oral health such as in gingivitis, periodontitis, cavities, TMJ and thrush. Next, we will be exploring more of these conditions as it relates to cannabinoids such as CBD and the compounds found inside a CBD hemp oil.
As always, prior to making any changes to your lifestyle or treatment plan, consult with a licenced medical professional.
CBD Hemp Oil for Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that causes inflamed gums. Symptoms include swollen, puffy, receding gums that can sometimes bleed. Without proper and regular cleanings, plaque caused by bacteria can form and harden into tartar. Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis if proper interventions are not taken. CBD’s ability to fight bacterial infections and bacterial growth, combined with proper oral hygiene, can combat gingivitis and its progression.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-60952-0
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2019.00324/full
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453
Hemp Oil for Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more serious gum infection that can damage the jawbone. The symptoms include the formation of gaps or pockets between the gums where more bacteria can form. It is much harder to clean and can result in bone loss, giving the potential for teeth to become loose or fall out. Similar to gingivitis, CBD can fight the bacteria growing in the gum pockets, prevent bone loss and help protect the bones. By removing bacterial infection, the gums can begin to heal with proper hygiene. Researchers also discovered CBD can help resolve the inflammation associated with periodontal disease, this can help with better oral health and with those sore tender gums.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19070683/
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.febslet.2005.12.079
CBD Oil for Cavities
Cavities are permanently damaged areas of the teeth that form tiny holes. Oral bacteria can wear down the teeth the same way it affects the gums. The buildup of plaque causes a coating of bacteria to form on the teeth and take minerals out of the teeth. One of the most common forms of bacteria behind this is Streptococcus mutans. CBD is shown specifically to target and fight this bacteria, which helps prevent the formation of cavities.
Amazingly, CBD has been found active against other bacteria that are often responsible for many serious infections such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, with a strength similar to that of other established antibiotics such as vancomycin or daptomycin. This is very promising as CBD treatment does not come with the long list of side effects that many strong antibiotics do such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping and increased sweating.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
https://www.principesactifs.org/cbd-in-dentistry-can-cannabis-cure-cavities/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1085130
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190623143055.htm
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
TMJ causes pain and impaired movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Aside from pain, this condition can make it hard to chew or cause the jaw to lock. CBD can help with TMJ in a number of ways. Cannabidiol is an anti-inflammatory, which can reduce the swelling in the jaw joint. Also an analgesic, or pain reliever, CBD hemp oil can ease the discomfort associated with TMJ. CBD also promotes relaxation, which can help stop the tightening, clenching, and grinding actions of the jaw that make TMJ worse. If you’ve been thinking about using a CBD hemp oil or any other variety of cannabis product, we hope this article is providing you with valuable information.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941
CBD Hemp Oil for Thrush
Thrush is a fungal yeast infection that develops on the inside of the mouth and on the tongue. As noted before, CBD is an antimicrobial that can fight and prevent fungal infections. While fungus is harder to kill, CBD boosts the immune system to fight the infection. Cannabidiol can also stop harmful infectious cells from multiplying and spreading further in the body.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533
We hope this article has clarified for you how CBD hemp oil works for oral health and that we’ve also cleared up any confusion you may have had about the differences between the various (and expanding) hemp products available on the market today.
If you would like to learn more about hemp, cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system please visit our blog for what the latest peer reviewed research tells us about this great plant used for millennia and making a comeback in the 21st century.
Prior to making any changes to your treatment plan always consult with a licenced medical professional.
