What are the dental health problems associated with cannabis use?

  • Dry Mouth and Tooth Decay

Using marijuana -- whether smoked or ingested -- reduces the amount of saliva produced in the mouth due to its effects on the nervous system. With frequent use, this effect can result in an uncomfortable condition called dry mouth, or xerostomia. Without sufficient saliva to wash away food and bacteria from the teeth and gums, xerostomia can cause bad breath and mouth sores. Additionally, a dry mouth promotes tooth decay and possible tooth loss if the decay is not treated promptly.

  • Gum Disease

Like tobacco smokers, marijuana smokers may be at risk for developing gum disease -- also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease occurs when oral bacteria are allowed to flourish in the mouth, causing inflammation of the gum tissue and bone that surrounds the teeth. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Having a dry mouth due to smoking marijuana also contributes to the development of periodontal disease.

  • Oral Cancer

Both tobacco and marijuana smoke contain cancer-causing chemicals, including aromatic hydrocarbons, benzopyrene and nitrosamines. Marijuana users, who frequently smoke marijuana over long periods of time, have an increased risk of developing oral cancer, according to a study published in the January 2014 issue of "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention." The high temperatures of marijuana smoke when cannabis is smoked directly might irritate the oral tissues and trigger cellular changes -- potentially leading to the development of precancerous lesions in the mouth. Combined use of tobacco and marijuana may further increase the risk of oral cancer because tobacco use is a strong risk factor for this disease.

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Why does my floss fray and break?

When attempting to floss an area of your mouth, your floss may shred, break or snag.    This is common and can be due to:

  • Improper flossing technique:
    • Don't force the floss down between teeth.  This can cause clefting and irreversible gum damage.  Instead, use a see-saw motion, hugging the tooth, to gradually work the floss between the teeth.
  • A sharp edge of a dental filling or a buildup of buildup of tartar/calculus on the tooth that blocks the gap between teeth:
    • You should consult with your dentist for a diagnosis and remedy. 
  • And remember, there's no such thing as 'tight teeth' or 'tight gums' 
    • Any bleeding or difficulty getting floss between your teeth means there's either infection or mis-alignment of teeth or fillings.
    • In fact, bleeding or tight teeth are reasons to floss, not to stop flossing....

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol - CBD - is a cannabis compound that may have significant medical benefit. Scientific and clinical studies underline the potential of CBD as a treatment for a variety of diseases, and have found many potential medical benefits, including:

  • Anti-inflammatory - Combats inflammation in the body
  • Anti-bacterial / Anti-fungal - combats bacteria and prevents fungal growth
  • Anti-emetic - Combats nausea and vomiting
  • Anti-convulsant - Combats seizure activity
  • Anti-psychotic - Combats psychosis disorders
  • Anti-oxidant - Combats neurodegenerative disorders
  • Anti-tumoral/Anti-cancer - Combats tumor and cancer cells
  • Anti-depressant - Combats depression and anxiety

Why should i use cbd in my oral hygiene routine?

CBD has gained increasing attention through its various medicinal properties, including analgesic (pain relief) and anti-inflammatory effects without intoxication or sedation.  Furthermore, studies have shown that topically applied CBD has highly effective antimicrobial defenses as well as aids in the killing of drug-resistant bacteria and curing existing infections.  We've included CBD in our hygiene products to take advantage of those amazing characteristics in the context of oral hygiene.   

How do the products work?

Cannasmile's CBD infused therapeutic products work like traditional dental products, but with the added benefit of topically applying CBD directly to oral tissues such as teeth, gums, and tongue, including the hard to reach places between teeth and under the gumline.  Once applied, the CBD may work to kill bacteria, reduce swelling in oral tissues, prevent future bacterial and fungal growth.  The best part is the floss keeps working for you even after you're done flossing, brushing or rinsing. 

will CBD-Infused Products make me high?

No.  CBD does not have any intoxicating "high" effects such as those caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana. In fact, CBD is known to actually counteract the the effects of THC in some cases. 

will CannaSmile's CBD products show up on a drug test?

No.  Marijuana drug testing looks for traces of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.  Our products are completely THC-free. 
 

Is CBD Legal?

Yes!  CBD derived from industrial hemp is legal in all 50 US states and the EU.  That said, we encourage you to check your local laws if you're unsure about your particular locality. 

Where does cannasmile get the cbd?

Our CBD crystalline isolate is derived from hemp that is organically grown in Germany.  While other sources of CBD, such as China, would be more cost effective, we specifically sought out the highest quality, organic ingredient to include in our products. 

Other questions?

Please email us at info@getcannasmile.com or reach out on social media.  We'd love to hear from you!