Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in the world – due to exposure to sugar and other risks – and is a major global public health problem affecting individuals, health systems and economies. Harmful bacteria are the main culprit, as they begin to demineralize teeth by producing lactic acid which in turn leads to tooth decay (cavities). Research has shown that CBD can have a bactericidal effect on oral inhabitants, decreasing the number of harmful bacteria within the oral cavity. In addition, CBD has shown to be a strong inhibitor of Membrane Vesicle (MV) release from Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. MV production seems crucial for bacterial survival and forms part of the stress response.

According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis -- this equates to approximately 64.7 million Americans. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red due to inflammation, which can cause pain, discomfort and bleeding gums. CBD has shown to directly interact with TRPV1 receptors, TRPV1 is known to mediate pain perception, inflammation and body temperature. The endocannabinoid system has also shown to be active in the mouth, as CBD can act as an effective anti-inflammatory agent within the oral cavity.

Fun Fact: Ever noticed your gums bleeding while flossing? You might be experiencing some sort of inflammation due to gingivitis. 

Ongoing gum inflammation and plaque accumulation can eventually lead to periodontitis-associated bone loss. Since its discovery almost a decade ago, the skeletal cannabinoid system has attracted substantial attention. Research has suggested that CBD can aid in a decrease of bone resorption by a decrease in pro-inflammatory molecules. Research by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) on CBD’s effects on bone fracture healing, revealed that the CBD aids in bone healing through the “enhancement by CBD of the osteoblastic expression of lysyl hydroxylase 1 (PLOD1), one of the few collagen crosslinking enzymes reported to be associated with bone quality.” Osteoblast’s are an endogenous cell in the human body that secretes the matrix for bone formation that helps bone grow. With CBD’s systemic influence on bone health, it makes sense to start using CBD in your daily oral health routine.