Cannabidiol, also called CBD, is a compound that’s found in the cannabis sativa plant. Though this is a type of marijuana, it doesn’t contain the compound in cannabis that gets people “high,” which is called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Taking CBD makes users feel relaxed and can help control mental health and sleep issues like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It can also be used to treat some epilepsy syndromes, PTSD symptoms, opioid addictions, ALS symptoms, unmanageable pain, diabetic complications, and more. Though CBD offers a range of benefits to one’s overall wellbeing, how does vaping it impact your oral health? Read on to learn why vaping can be bad news for your pearly whites and how to keep your smile healthy.
How Vaping Can Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
Vaping poses fewer risks to your oral health than smoking, but it can still harm your mouth. Since it’s still relatively new, it’s not clear what the long-term effects vaping can have. Even so, it may contribute to a few oral health issues, including:
- Dry mouth – Propylene glycol is a viscous, colorless liquid that’s nearly odorless and has a faintly sweet taste. It can be found in food as an additive as well as e-cigarettes (e-cigs). This chemical causes your mouth to dry out, which puts you at a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Inflammation and irritation – A study by the NYU College of Dentistry found that different bacteria were found in the mouths of e-cig users versus non-users. Because of this, people who use e-cigs are more prone to inflammation and infection.
- Excess bacteria – Vaping changes the microbiome in the mouth. This can put those who use e-cigs at a higher risk of developing gum disease.
How to Keep Your Smile Healthy
Though vaping can put your oral health at risk, there are ways to safely reap the benefits of CBD, including:
- Try alternative methods – Rather than vaping, take CBD in the form of gummies or other foods. In general, this will be healthier for both your lungs and your mouth.
- Drink water – If you drink water after using your e-cig, this can help prevent both dry mouth and bad breath.
- Brush and floss – Brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night for two minutes both times. Floss at least once per day, preferably before you go to bed. Good oral hygiene will lower your chances of developing oral health issues like gum disease.
- Visit your dentist – Visit your dentist twice per year so they can do a thorough examination to make sure there aren’t any signs of gum disease. If there are, they can administer prompt treatment to prevent the infection from getting any worse.
Though vaping CBD may raise your risk of developing gum disease, the above tips will let you enjoy the mental health benefits without damaging your mouth. Keep up with your oral hygiene routine and stay hydrated to improve your state of mind while maintaining a gorgeous grin!
About the Author
Are your gums swollen, red, or do they bleed easily when you brush or floss? Paraiso Family Dental & Orthodontics administers gum disease treatment that can help. Led by Dr. Gary Chaffee, they can both treat and reverse the infection if it’s caught early enough to give you back your healthy, beautiful smile. To make an appointment with Paraiso Family Dental & Orthodontics or for more information on gum disease therapy, visit their website or call their office at (805) 480-0033.