CBD and Dentistry: The Connection

Are you curious on CBD and Dentistry and the connection? Have you ever looked at your calendar or get a reminder that your dentist appointment is coming up and you get that feeling of dread? We need to have our teeth examined and cleaned regularly, and dentists recommend doing so at least every six months. However, going to the dentist scares some people so much or causes them anxiety that they try to put it off as long as possible.

Below, we will briefly introduce CBD and show its benefits in dentistry. You’ll learn how CBD can aid in helping with anxiety when going to the dentist office.

What’s CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a well-known cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, a herbaceous plant. The chemical composition of this plant is complex, and it contains cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. So far, scientists have identified more than 120 cannabinoids, many of which have pharmacological effects.

People have been using cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. The constituents of cannabis have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore there are more uses for this plant than just recreational use.

CBD & Anxiety; Therapeutic Potential of CBD

Taking organic CBD regularly can help you get through difficult times when something triggers deep, usually unnecessary anxiety and stress. 

Dentists often prescribe nighttime grinding devices to minimize teeth grinding due to sleep apnea. According to Dr. Green, Imagine Smiles, a holistic dentist in Blaine, MN,  CBD is a natural alternative to these expensive devices that may or may not work. Dr. Green and his family have been using Edwin’s Edibles gummies since the first test batches. I had a chance to ask him some questions about CBD and the uses in Dentistry.

How do you personally use CBD?

Dr. Green – “I use CBD regularly to reduce stress and anxiety, and to help with sleep on days which are high stress”.

Besides an anxious patient, what other ways could dental patients benefit from CBD?

Dr. Green – “The uses of CBD within dentistry are very limited, yet potent. It can help with pre-appointment anxiety, but I have found that it’s biggest use is to improve sleep”.

“So many patients, especially my working moms, do not sleep well. As a profession, we commonly prescribe grinding devices to wear at night to help minimize clenching due to sleep apnea events. This treats the symptom, not the problem, and they are uncomfortable and troublesome to wear. I stopped recommending sleep devices to 95% of my patients about 9 months ago, and instead recommended the use of CBD about 1 hour before normal bedtime. Of the patients who have tried, 99% report that sleep has improved dramatically at night. They wake up refreshed and energized vs. being chronically tired due to a poor night’s sleep. CBD has become a natural alternative to expensive oral appliances that may or may not work. It is a reliable, effective and inexpensive alternative which truly works for my patients”.

CBD & Oral Care

Dental plaque is a film that accumulates on the surface of your teeth and tissues. It is a reservoir for numerous bacterial pathogens in the oral cavity that are the culprits of various dental problems (e.g. periodontitis). Proper treatment and elimination of these pathogens will reduce dental diseases.

Preclinical evidence shows that cannabinoids have antimicrobial properties. New applications of cannabinoids in the dental field need further investigation, but preliminary results show positive effects.

The addition of cannabinoids (including CBD) to air polishing powders, toothpaste, and mouth rinses may increase the effectiveness of the products in combating plaque biofilm.

Other Benefits of CBD

The antibacterial effects of cannabinoids have been actively researched since the 1950s and have only recently gained popularity.

Early research suggests that cannabinoids can inhibit plaque formation and reduce the metabolic activity of existing biofilms. In addition, these cannabis compounds may enhance the antibacterial efficacy of antibiotics.

Bottom Line

CBD is an emerging player in combating anxiety; that’s why you’ll hear more about CBD and dentistry in near future. Certainly, patients will see more and more products on the shelves, and the future looks promising for these products, as studies have shown their beneficial effects.

Interested? If you need more information, contact us today.

 

FUN FACT!  Dr. Green loves to play the drums.

What is your favorite song to play drums to?

Dr. Green – “I don’t have a single favorite, but enjoy anything with a good beat”!

Thank you Dr. Green for being my dentist and friend. It’s a love hate relationship!