CBD has been exploding in popularity as a treatment for everything from anxiety to fibromyalgia. It’s even in an FDA-approved drug for epilepsy. CBD for dental care is a versatile natural compound that has many uses for wellness. It may even be helpful in endodontic therapies.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a molecule found naturally in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa. CBD is extracted from hemp plants, cannabis plants with very low concentrations of THC, which is the psychoactive molecule in marijuana responsible for causing the “high.”
If CBD doesn’t cause a high, how does it work for pain management and anxiety? CBD stimulates the body’s endocannabinoid system, which consists of cannabinoid receptors throughout the body used in cell-to-cell communication. These receptors are found in high concentrations in the nervous system.
When people use CBD, it attaches to the cannabinoid receptors, changing how cells signal to each other, particularly in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. It can alter how people feel pain, nausea, and even emotions.
What is CBD used for? CBD is used for epilepsy, anxiety, pain management, nausea and vomiting, and even eye disease treatment. Most patients use CBD oil for their CBD treatment.
4 Dental Uses For CBD
In addition to treating problems throughout the body, CBD also has oral health uses. For example, studies have shown that CBD can fight the germs that cause plaque just as well as toothpaste.
What are the benefits of CBD dental care? The benefits of CBD dental care are improved oral health, reduced pain levels, decreased oral inflammation, and lowered anxiety levels during dental procedures.
The 4 main uses for CBD in general dentistry are:
- To relieve dental anxiety
- To improve your sleep
- To relieve pain
- To reduce inflammation
1. To Relieve Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is widespread. Up to 19% of the population experiences this fear. For people predisposed to anxiety, even the gentlest hygienist or dentist may not completely quell the nervous feeling they get when they sit down for an appointment.
Along with choosing a dentist who specializes in helping patients cope with dental anxiety, like the dentists at Rejuvenation Dentistry, you can use CBD to help calm your nerves before dental procedures.
CBD is well-known for its ability to reduce anxiety. When CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, it affects the function of certain neurotransmitters, which in turn helps reduce the anxious feelings patients experience.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, CBD may be able to help. Avoiding dealing with your dental health may not be an option, but reducing your anxiety is.
2. To Improve Your Sleep
CBD is also an excellent sleep aid. It’s great for reducing both anxiety and pain, two primary reasons why people struggle to sleep. There’s also evidence that CBD helps improve sleep directly.
Good sleep is critical for both oral and overall health. Poor sleep can lead to an entire suite of health problems, from headaches to causing car accidents because you’re overtired. If you’re having a hard time sleeping, CBD may be able to help.
3. To Relieve Pain
Dental pain can be caused by many issues. The most common reason for dental pain is poor oral health, including tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions. Patients can also experience some pain after procedures like dental implant placement or root canals.
CBD is a well-known analgesic (pain reliever), and a body of research has shown that CBD is effective in treating the types of pain that dental patients experience. It has been proven to alleviate inflammatory, nerve, and even surgical pain.
Combined with less painful dental treatments like ozone therapy and laser procedures, CBD can make your next visit to the dentist pain-free. Visit a biologic dentist for the least invasive procedures, coupled with cutting-edge treatments like CBD.
4. To Reduce Inflammation
CBD has many anti-inflammatory properties, and using CBD can reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation can cause many health problems, and inflammation in the mouth is particularly dangerous because it can lead to an extensive suite of health problems.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is strongly linked to inflammation. Inflammation in the gums can travel throughout the body, causing major health issues like heart attacks and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Inflammation can also affect how you heal from dental procedures, including dental surgery. Using CBD to reduce excessive inflammation can also speed up the healing process as it decreases pain.
Possible Side Effects
Although CBD is natural and nontoxic, some patients experience side effects when they use it. The most common side effects of CBD include:
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in body weight
However, these side effects are relatively rare.
Choosing High-Quality CBD For Dental Care
Due to the recent surge in the popularity of CBD, there is an abundance of CBD products on the market. How do you choose the most effective, highest-quality CBD products to use?
First, ask your medical professional for recommendations. Dentists and doctors who use CBD in their practice will be able to recommend brands that work well without harsh side effects. Book a consultation with us if you want to discuss your personal needs for CBD dental care.
Items to look for in CBD products to ensure quality:
- The CBD content is on the label: The label should tell you exactly how much CBD is in the product or provide a very narrow range. If the amount of CBD in the bottle is listed as a more extensive range, that’s a sign that the product is not a good option.
- THC levels: Your CBD products should contain virtually no THC.
- Full-spectrum oils: CBD extracts made from the whole plant (full-spectrum) are generally of better quality.
- Extraction process: Does the CBD manufacturer use cheap, toxic solvents to extract the CBD from the cannabis plant, or do they use safe solvents like pure ethanol?
- Growing conditions: How were the cannabis plants grown? Look for plants from high-quality, nutrient-rich soils with very levels of toxic metals.
- Independent lab testing: Has the purity and content of the CBD been tested by an independent lab?
CBD For Great Dental Care, Here.
If you have specific questions about using CBD for oral health care, please contact our dental practice. Our dentists (DDS) will create a plan to help you use CBD to improve your dental health. Remember, your oral health affects the health of the rest of your body.
At Rejuvenation Dentistry, we include CBD in our practice whenever necessary, whether it’s for standard cleanings and checkups, treating tooth decay and gum disease, or even cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers and teeth whitening.
We also specialize in treating patients with dental anxiety. If you’ve been putting off your visit, this is your sign.
Click here to make an appointment at our Manhattan or East Hampton offices. We take top-notch care of new patients and old friends alike.
