Is It Safe To Use CBD Mouthwash For Oral Inflammation?

Regular mouthwash can help you reduce plaque, freshen breath, and kill bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. CBD mouthwash does even more by also fighting oral inflammation and supporting overall dental health.

According to research evidence, CBD in mouthwashes may serve as an oral pain reliever, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and a potential tooth-strengthening agent. But is using CBD for oral care safe? We’ll answer this question by delving into how CBD mouthwashes work, who should use them, and more.

What Is CBD Mouthwash?

Cannabidiol (CBD) mouthwash is any oral rinse that contains CBD, which is a non-impairing cannabis compound (cannabinoid). You use it like regular mouthwash—rinse it inside your mouth to freshen your breath and reduce harmful bacteria, but don’t swallow it.

However, unlike regular mouthwashes, CBD counterparts may offer extra benefits, such as reducing inflammation and relieving pain. This is thanks to the cannabinoid’s anti-inflammatory properties, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to soothe irritated tissues. Since CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, it won’t cause impairing effects and can be used day and night.

How CBD Works for Oral Inflammation

According to a 2022  scoping dental review published in the Dentistry Journal, CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and osteoinductive properties.

Its anti-inflammatory effect helps reduce swelling, redness, and irritation in oral tissues, while its analgesic property can relieve oral pain and discomfort. The antimicrobial action fights gum disease-causing bacteria and fungi, and its osteoinductive effect stimulates new bone growth, which may help strengthen teeth. All of these effects can contribute to reducing oral inflammation.

For example, if you have swollen gums due to a bacterial infection, swishing CBD mouthwash may provide relief by targeting the affected areas. While the cannabinoid’s analgesic property relieves pain, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can treat the root cause of the discomfort, helping you recover.

Another 2023 narrative review finds that CBD may promote gum healing by boosting fibroblast production and healing growth factors. Also, the cannabinoid may help reduce metalloproteinases, which are enzymes that damage gum tissue. Lastly, it may be useful in treating mouth ulcers, mucositis, and other issues that typically trigger oral inflammation.

These findings indicate that CBD could be an effective alternative to traditional oral inflammation treatments. However, more research, especially clinical trials, is needed to confirm the appropriate dosage, mechanisms, and long-term effects of CBD mouthwash in dental care.

READ: Is Smoking Cannabis a Risk Factor for Periodontal Disease?

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Is CBD Mouthwash Safe to Use?

Yes, CBD mouthwashes are generally safe to use as long as you follow directions, such as not swallowing the rinse. However, the safety of such products usually varies based on the ingredients and overall quality.

For example, fluoride and herbal CBD mouthwashes are typically safer than alcohol or antiseptic mouthwashes. This is because they are gentler on oral tissues and free of harsh chemicals. Also, unlike alcohol-based mouthwashes, which are often misused recreationally, there’s less temptation to swallow non-alcoholic versions.

Nonetheless, depending on your CBD tolerance or health, you may experience side effects like dry mouth from using either a cannabidiol or alcohol-based mouthwash. Dry mouth is a common CBD side effect, as it reduces saliva production in some individuals. Also, you may have a negative reaction if you are allergic to CBD or other ingredients in the mouthwash.

Lastly, if you’re on medications like blood thinners, sedatives, and certain antidepressants, CBD may interact poorly with them. Although not intended to be swallowed, a slight amount of CBD may still be absorbed through the mouth. To be safe, consult your doctor and dentist before trying a CBD mouthwash if you are on any medications or have underlying health conditions.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Use CBD Mouthwash?

If you are an adult with oral inflammation or gum issues, the anti-inflammatory properties of a CBD mouthwash may help reduce swelling and discomfort. You can also use it for chronic oral pain, since CBD has analgesic effects. Consulting with a dentist is highly recommended before trying CBD mouthwashes or if you have any dental or gum issues, like ulcers, etc.

However, while CBD mouthwashes are a natural oral care alternative, you should avoid them if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to cannabinoids. An allergic reaction to CBD may cause itching, rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Using CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding, on the other hand, may endanger your developing fetus or infant.

Gargling with CBD mouthwash may also be a bad idea if you’re on medications like blood thinners, antibiotics, antipsychotics, or sedatives. This is because CBD may interact poorly with such medicine, altering its effectiveness. As such, if you’re on medications or have a health condition, don’t rinse with CBD unless your doctor gives the go-ahead.

Tips for Using CBD Mouthwash Without Issues

Smoking CBD for dental upkeep is out of the question since the smoke increases the risk of cavities, poor dental hygiene, and periodontal diseases. CBD mouthwash, on the other hand, is safer and gentler. It delivers the cannabinoid’s benefits directly to the mouth without exposing your teeth and gums to harmful smoke, high temperatures, tar, or irritants.

However, incorrectly using CBD mouthwash can cause problems. Avoid such an outcome with these tips:

1. Read Labels Carefully: Check the mouthwash’s label to ensure it doesn’t contain ingredients you’re allergic to. The label will also carry instructions for correct usage, which you should follow to avoid overuse or misuse.
2. Avoid Swallowing: Ingesting a bit of mouthwash while gargling shouldn’t hurt. But since CBD mouthwashes are strictly for rinsing, avoid swallowing whenever possible.
3. Start with Small Amounts: Since cannabinoids affect everyone differently, start with a small amount of mouthwash to see how your body reacts. This is especially important if you’re new to CBD.
4. Choose a High-Quality Product: Select a CBD mouthwash from a reputable brand with high-quality ingredients to ensure safety and effectiveness.
5. Use After Brushing: Brushing immediately after rinsing doesn’t give the mouthwash enough time to work its magic. So, rinse after brushing instead.
6. Store Well: Exposing CBD to UV rays can deteriorate the cannabinoid and ruin your mouthwash’s effectiveness. For this reason, it’s best to store CBD mouthwash in a cool, dark place.