CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found within marijuana that has medicinal properties. In particular, CBD is incredibly effective at relieving pain, such as muscle aches, or a sore head. However, you may not be aware that CBD has recently been demonstrated to be able to combat toothache as well – this means big things for the dental community. Let’s take a closer look at toothache in general, as well as what CBD does to help alleviate it:
What is toothache?
Toothache is quite a vague term as there are many different factors that can cause pain in and around the mouth, though in the majority of cases toothache is the result of some kind of infection. Teeth, just like every other body part, have nerves in them, which is why you may not be able to eat ice cream as easily as you used to if you haven’t been taking very good care of them. These nerves are located in the inner part of our teeth, otherwise known as dentine, and this area can become very painful if a tooth becomes infected.
Infection happens typically because of bacteria build-up in and around the teeth, and this build-up is sustained by incorrect or infrequent brushing. If the bacteria stay there for long enough, they multiply, and soon cavities begin to form – these are, essentially, holes in your teeth that get larger over time until there is no tooth left.
OK, gross. But how can CBD help with toothache?
It has long been established that a mixture of the three As (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents) is required to get rid of toothaches, and all of these roles have usually been filled by a range of creams, pills, and other pharmaceuticals. However, what if I told you that CBD is all of the three As and more? Yep, that’s right! CBD actively fights to combat bacteria and inflammation, as well as helping to provide quick pain relief.
A Scientific Study…
There isn’t very much research in the field of dentistry when it comes to CBD, though there has been a limited amount of animal studies. For example, in Brazil, the University of Uberaba carried out an experiment on rats. This study looked at the influence CBD can have on unhealthy teeth and found the rats they had treated with CBD to have less inflammation, as well as less alveolar bone loss.
Alright. So how do I use CBD for my toothache?
CBD comes in many forms, from oils, to balms, to edibles. Though the most effective for dental issues are probably those that can be applied topically. This is because applying CBD directly to the affected area means that pain relief can be localized.
It’s worth noting that there are a few minor side effects of using CBD, such as a reduction in saliva production, so it is important to speak to your dentist first before attempting to use CBD as a dental treatment.
Have you ever had toothache? If so, did you treat it with CBD? Did it work? Let us know in the comments down below!
By Brodie Mckenzie