Understanding CBD and Its Relation to Oral Health
It seems that every day, we hear more about CBD. Since its federal legalization through the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD-containing products have become available in many independent pharmacies, health stores, and grocery stores, and are even advertised on TV. Soon, that list will include dental practices, which is why it’s important to understand what CBD may contribute in relation to your patients’ oral health.
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the many cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized CBD products that are derived from industrial hemp. Although related genetically, hemp is quite different from the marijuana plant. While both plants contain CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)—the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the “high” people get from smoking or ingesting marijuana—the hemp plant has significantly higher levels of CBD, while the marijuana plant has much higher levels of THC. Legally, industrial hemp and its related products can contain no more than 0.3% of THC, ensuring that there are no euphoric effects associated with hemp-derived products.
While there are likely more than 120 cannabinoids in the hemp plant, CBD is generally recognized as the one that provides the most medical benefits, including its antimicrobial, bone stimulant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive properties. Research has shown that CBD may be used to effectively treat conditions such as epilepsy, seizures, anxiety, insomnia, chronic and neuropathic pain, inflammation, arthritis, nausea, migraine, and depression.
Considerations for CBD Products
Perhaps the most important considerations when choosing a CBD product are its source, ingredients, and how it is made. One player in the market, Imbue Botanicals, uses only organic Colorado-grown hemp for its extensive line of clinical-grade CBD products. Its products are “Full Spectrum,” meaning they contain a full cadre of terpenes and cannabinoids to ensure an entourage effect where all the plant’s chemical constituents work together to create a better result. Imbue Botanicals’ non-GMO, pesticide-free, vegan ingredients are processed under strict protocols, and they perform some of the most extensive product quality testing in the industry. All their products are batch tested by independent laboratories before shipment to ensure quality and consistency.
Oral Health Benefits
Research over the last 5 decades has shown the benefits of CBD’s antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial activity, and it is believed to affect interbacterial communication, which may disrupt biofilm formation. In fact, findings suggest that it would be a useful addition to oral rinses and dentifrices. While these delivery systems target and reduce periodontal pathogens and inflammation, patients may further benefit from the absorption of CBD via the mucosal membrane. As Imbue Botanicals partners with Perio Protect—known for its innovative treatment regimen that delivers bacteriafighting medicine below the gum—on a line of fluoride and alcohol-free CBD oral health products, it seems abundantly clear that such products can support patients’ oral health, as well as their overall health on an ongoing basis.
Kevin Oberlander, RPh, is a well-known compounding pharmacist. A graduate of North Dakota State University, he has developed several successful products within the periodontal field, and owns and operates Dakota Pharmacy, Dakota PrecisionRx Labs, and Dakota Natural Health Center. Dakota Pharmacy is a multidimensional practice that includes prescriptive services, compounding laboratories, private consultation sessions, wellness screening modules, and a natural pharmacy department and health center.
