A new study suggests that mouthwash containing CBD (cannabidiol) and another plant extract may be an effective tool to promote dental health, control bacteria and reduce inflammation.
A report published in Clinical Advances in Dental Medicine, Oral Health in late November involved 40 people using mouthwashes containing CBD oil from hemp, tea tree oil and spilanthol. Acmella oleracea plant. CBD and Spilanthol, as natural ingredients for mouthwashes, are gaining popularity.
Compared to a mouthwash containing only tea tree oil, the CBD-infused product was significantly more effective at reducing plaque buildup and oral bleeding—chief symptoms of gingivitis.
Researchers found that CBD/spilanthol mouthwash helped maintain “homeostasis in the oral microbiome” and reduced the amount of bacteria which can negatively affect periodontal disease.
Researchers noted that their findings are beneficial for more than simply oral health. Inflammation of the mouth, they wrote, has “been demonstrated to correlate to the overall health status”
The paper states that “prolonged inflammation caused by bacteria in plaque and the interaction between them and the immune system of the host” leads to the destruction of supporting tissue of teeth and elevated levels of inflammatory agents, increasing the chances of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and pregnancy complications.
The researchers noted that in the study participants with an oral infection and “bleeding when probing”, (BOP), showed a “significant decrease” of BOP index value.
CBD and spilanthol both share certain characteristics which may help to reduce inflammation of the mouth and bleeding.
Spilanthol is one example of a chemical compound that contains a variety of compounds with “a wide range biological activity, including analgesics, anti-inflammatorys, antiallergenics, and antibiotic properties”, according to the study. The extract has also been shown to have antifungal and saliva-producing properties in other studies.
The authors also emphasized CBD’s “extensive potential for therapeutic use.”
They wrote: “The evidence available suggests that CBD exerts analgesic and neuroprotective effects as well as anti-inflammatory properties. This highlights its potential to be a therapeutic agent with multiple benefits.”
The combination of the two ingredients can help to improve dental health when combined with regular care, such as brushing or flossing.
The combination of CBD with spilanthol would be able to leverage both their antimycological effects and analgesic properties,” says the article, adding that “this approach could address the common complaint of dry mouth among those suffering from candidiasis.”
The ten-person research team—from the Medical University of Silesia, in Poland—noted that the main limitation of the research was its relatively small sample size as well as its failure to control for certain individual risk factors, such as nicotine use or diabetes. The researchers said that an increased sample size could have also allowed them to compare participants with gingivitis against those who did not.
One focus of the new report was CBD’s apparent efficacy at eradicating biofilms—communities of organisms that build up, for example on the surfaces of teeth. The cannabinoid was also cited in two other papers as an effective way to control biofilms.
One study published in Molecules last month found that CBD can be used to prevent oral infections by incorporating it into denture materials. Government-funded research claims that bonding CBD onto dentures can demonstrate “potential to antibiotic-free coatings for dentures, reduce dental biofilms, plaque formation and improve oral health outcomes.”
This report states that “Biofilm Studies revealed a reduction of 99% in biofilm formation for Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative on CBD-infused PMMA as compared to PMMA standard.” The CBD caused lysis, or the break down of the bacterial cells.
In summary, the authors stated that biofilm studies revealed PMMA/CBD surfaces to be effective in eliminating all pathogens.
Another study focused also on CBD and Biofilms found that CBD could provide a promising solution for treating a type of common vaginal infection.
This report focused on the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalisCBD, found in vaginal bacteria but which can cause vaginosis if out of equilibrium with other microbes. CBD has shown antibacterial properties and antioxidants in lab tests that have weakened bacteria. G. vaginalis Eliminate biofilms
Our study shows CBD has antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against bacteria G. vaginalis The paper also stated, “This bacterium is a clinical isolate and could therefore be a drug to treat the vaginosis that this bacteria causes.”
Another recent paper, published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, found that CBD could be a useful addition to certain skin products given its anti-aging and antioxidant properties as well as evidence that it may speed the healing of wounds.
A report published last autumn by university researchers in India and Thailand found that cannabis oil containing CBD may also help promote the healing of skin wounds, writing that it offers “promising benefits” despite a need to better optimize product formulations.
The study examined how cannabis oils can be used to reduce the so-called reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are produced during wound healing. The study explained that these chemicals play a “crucial role” in the development of wounds by damaging cells and tissues.
In a paper in Pharmaceutics, the authors stated: “Increased levels of ROS may hinder the healing process by causing inflammation and cellular injury.” CBD’s antioxidant properties reduce these negative effects and create an environment that is more favorable for tissue regeneration.
Another analysis, published this earlier year, found that more than 1 in 10 Americans reported consuming the non-psychoactive cannabis component within the past month, with prevalence significantly higher among people who also used marijuana itself.
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