CBD has many potential benefits that have been stirring the curiosity of many. Many products are available in the market, from vape oil to topicals and gummies. CBD gummies are one of the simple products available. You chew, eat, swallow, and later feel the effects.
However, you may have concerns about the effects of taking CBD-infused gummies. Do they have any side effects on our oral health? Letโs touch on that along with other commonly asked questions.
The Dentist Perspective
Many of us arenโt comfortable taking dentist trips. They can do x-rays, and there is a possibility of finding cavities. Dentist appointments can get tedious when there are multiple of them. We may not even be comfortable talking about CBD with our dentist.
Even with a good diet and oral hygiene, we need to understand the effects of CBD. Many people take CBD gummies almost every day as a part of their lifestyle.
The American Dental Association doesnโt have information about CBD gummies, but they do have some on cannabis in general. CBD or cannabidiol is a substance found in the cannabis plant.
These are the statements ADA made regarding cannabis:
- Consider using topical fluorides as a preventive measure.
- Maintain regular dental visits and oral hygiene practices.
- Encourage the use of nutritious snacks over sweet ones.
- Avoid products with alcohol and seek treatment for xerostomia.
Xerostomia is commonly known as dry-mouth or cottonmouth. There have been no direct links between CBD gummies and dry-mouth. There is a possibility that cannabinoids can affect the ECS receptors in our mouths that produce saliva. However, it has not been an issue for us or many others.
However, we still think that it is a concern. Dry-mouth can cause tooth decay and cavities when left untreated. With our experience and the experience of others eating CBD gummies, they donโt pose a threat to our oral health.
The Sugar in CBD Gummies
Six-carbon sugars are the type of sugars that cause tooth decay. You often find them in candy and other sweet snacks. The good news is thatย some CBD gummies contain d-ribose, which is a 5-carbon sugar.
There are still many products out there that use 6-carbon sugars. We think that it isnโt an ideal combination as CBD is a wellness product. Companies shouldnโt pair them with cavity-causing ingredients.
Who Can You Trust?
Make sure to check the labels of other brands if you want to consume them. Clarity is a must for these products as they may have something that can affect our health. Make sure that you are buying a brand that has a certificate of analysis from a third-party laboratory.
Another concern we have is that some companies cut corners when making products. They market their CBD as โfull-spectrum,โ a term to hide the possibility of their product containing THC. Some donโt use the legal hemp plant and go for the cannabis plant instead. If you are taking CBD for wellness, be careful about the products you take.
Other Concerns
CBD products are still at the very early stages. Researchers and scientists are in the process of understanding the ideal dosage for a person. Here are some common concerns you may have:
Constipation
CBD can have a diarrhea side effect but not really constipation. If you experience constipation, then you may want to consult your doctor. CBD gummies may not be for you, and you may want to consider another way to administer them. Using a sublingual method bypasses the digestion process and will have a faster effect.
Digestion
Each product has a different dosage, so be careful with intake. Unlike sublingual methods, digestion takes time, and it can take up to an hour before you feel the effect of the CBD. You have to wait until it reaches the liver and small intestines. It isnโt a concern once youโve gotten used to its timing.
If you are new to gummies, it makes sense to start low and then work your way up. People experience stronger effects of CBD products when digested. Some may overdose because they donโt feel it working immediately. Start slow and then increase the dosage until you get the appropriate amount.
Expiration
Like any food product, CBD gummies have an expiration date. Most of them can last a couple of years, but it pays to always check the packaging as each product is different.
Putting It All Together
CBD gummies can be bad for your teeth โ but not because of the CBD. Some products out there use unhealthy ingredients like 6-carbon sugars, which you can find in traditional candy. Itโs questionable that some companies opt for this method when CBD is a wellness product. Many products are flavorful, but we prefer a combination of taste and health.