CBD Oil and Your Oral Health

A ground-breaking way to treat dental anxiety, gum disease, teeth grinding, cavities and so much more.

In 2020, Covid changed everything. This insidious pandemic turned our lives upside down and nothing would ever be the same again.

But, throughout all of the tragedy that came with Covid as well as the lockdowns and restrictions that we had to endure; the coronavirus also forced us to take another look at how we lived and, all too often, took things like our health for granted.

The effects of Covid made Americans change how we worked, ate, socialized and looked after each other. The long-lasting pandemic moved us to be more innovative in every aspect of our lives. And, that includes medical professionals, from dentists and primary care physicians to psychiatrists, who are helping us all to cope with a new and strange uber-challenging world.

Dentists and physicians are now more open to trying some bold, fresh treatment options for age-old maladies. And, you, the patient are the one who stands to benefit!

The wellness benefits of CBD oil have been touted within the dental community for a couple of years now, even prior to the Covid crisis. But, now, utilizing CBD Oil to address a variety of common oral health issues has picked up steam like never before.
However, prior to getting further into the article, let's take a little time to clear up one or two misconceptions about CBD Oil and the effect that it can have on both your body and your mind.

Many dentists find that CBD Oil is an effective more natural alternative to synthetic medications.
CBD or Cannabidiol is one of two major compounds that are found in Cannabis and hemp plants. The cool thing to know, though, is that CBD is NON-PSYCHOACTIVE, which, in simple terms means that it doesn't make you feel "high".

CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and separated from the most active ingredient in the plant, THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. That's a real mouthful and we promise, we won't be repeating that word in this article!

Unlike the mind-altering THC, CBD targets certain key receptors in the body, providing natural pain relief in certain circumstances.
The CBD compound can also help to lessen stress, anxiety and depression.

Frequently referred to as "hemp oil", CBD is available in several forms including capsules, sprays and oil extracts.

Always, however, be mindful when you shop for a product such as this. It's forever wise to talk with a medical professional first. Get all of the facts from someone you trust, be it your P.C. physician or family dentist. When purchasing CBD, look for a product that is 100% CBD with no added fillers. Don't get something that is diluted with carrier oils.
Only buy CBD Oil from organic hemp that is grown in the USA. And, make sure that your purchase is accompanied by a legitimate third-party testing certificate. Safety First is always of paramount importance. Know just what you are putting in your body.

More and more dentists are recommending that their patients consider taking CBD Oil before visiting their office for a procedure. It will lessen the stress and anxiety factor tremendously. CBD is great at helping to calm a person down and steady one's nerves.

CBD is also now coming into its' own for pain management. One of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in the world, CBD can help patients deal with toothaches, receding gums and the discomfort they cause as well as gingivitis and periodontitis.

When recovering from any form of dental surgery, such as tooth extraction, an
application of CBD Oil can work wonders in relieving the residual soreness and pain.
Numerous professionals in the dental community are now advising their patients to consider taking CBD instead of prescription pain medications, many of which can be addictive and have unpleasant side effects.

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that results from the build-up of plaque around the teeth, which is fueled by bacteria in the oral cavity.
If you suspect that you are suffering from this condition; do NOT take it lightly. Schedule an appointment with a dentist asap.

Left to its' own devices, periodontal disease can cause pain, swelling and bleeding in the gums. Worst case scenario: you could be looking at the loss of one or more teeth. No one wants that. Not a good look at all.

How can CBD Oil help? So glad that you asked that question.

Acting as a nutrient, CBD Oil helps to correct the imbalance in the oral microbiome, making the bacterial populations in your mouth work better together.
A microbiome, by the way, is the genetic material that consists of all of the microbes that live on and inside the human body including bacteria, fungi and protozoa.

In one study, a dental plaque was collected from a group of patients and then treated with various substances in laboratory dishes. CBD Oil was found to be significantly better at reducing plaque colonies than several types of toothpaste.

One of the most annoying oral health issues one can experience, (aside, of course from a painful cavity ), is TMJ / TMD or discomfort when using your jaw muscles, also known in medical parlance, as the temporomandibular joint.

This joint is a complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones that connect the upper and lower jaw. It acts as the hinge responsible for moving the lower jaw backward, forward and side to side.

If you have been suffering from lockjaw, a popping or clicking sound when opening your mouth, significant pain when opening your mouth and when chewing food, then it's very possible that you have TMJ / TMD.

The exact causes for TMJ / TMD are still a bit of a mystery. But your dentist will come to a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan based on several factors including a clinical examination, a thorough review of the patient's medical history and x-rays.

Don't be surprised if your dentist suggests a treatment regimen that includes CBD Oil.
Hemp Oil can relieve the pain caused by TMD by easing muscle tension and reducing inflammation. Since CBD Oil can be applied directly to the sore areas, you can actually experience real relief in a very short time.

On a somewhat related matter, research has determined that CBD can be helpful when the patient has a problem with habitually grinding their teeth. The caveat here, however, is that CBD treatment works better for DAYTIME teeth grinding. Not so much when it comes to the issue of pressing down hard on one's teeth when sleeping.

Studies have found that most people who grind their teeth during the day are subject to high amounts of stress. Taking CBD Oil can address this issue quite well.
When a person grinds his or her teeth at night, though, the odds are that it is more of a mechanical problem such as sleep apnea or a collapsing airway. CBD has no way to prevent or fix those kinds of physical issues.

We all know that having a cavity can be a total nuisance. Left untreated, cavities can lead to a host of potentially painful problems that will ravage your mouth. If you even suspect that you have a cavity, do not hesitate to email or call your dentist for a visit.

The benefits of CBD Oil come into play when it comes to fighting cavities. Please keep in mind that studies are ongoing in regard to CBD Oil and your oral health.
New developments are happening on a regular basis.

At the moment, research shows that the antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties of CBD can help to regulate the hundreds of bacterial species that reside in your mouth. Sounds kind of gross, doesn't it? However, it's been a part of the human condition since man first walked the earth.

CBD Oil plays a role in preventing the growth of disease-causing microorganisms like streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria known for creating
cavities and tooth decay.

When decay sets in, for whatever reason (lack of oral hygiene, disease, etc.), cavities form and swelling and inflammation take place. CBD's propensity to lessen swelling in the mouth certainly comes in handy at this point.
In fact, some studies have shown that a few well-placed drops of CBD Oil will counteract pain from a toothache.

We are facing a brave new world in 2021; one in which out of the box, forward-looking thinking will help to solve many of the medical and social issues that are facing us.
CBD most definitely has an increasingly large part to play in the care of our oral health. It's really all about keeping an open mind, doing your own research and, above all, thinking for yourself.

And, most importantly all, be a partner in your own health with a trusted medical professional.