CBD Oil for Tooth Pain: How it Works
Tooth pain from dental disease and dental trauma is a surprisingly prevalent problem. Unfortunately, those dealing with dental pain can be stuck depending on NSAIDs while waiting on complicated and expensive dental care.
But prolonged use of NSAIDs is not ideal. These drugs’ effectiveness at relieving pain can wane over time. NSAIDs can also take a major toll on the stomach and GI tract, heart, and kidneys and cause other serious health problems after a while.
People need a gentler and more natural solution to tooth pain that works without putting too much strain on the rest of the body.
That’s why it’s becoming more common to try CBD for dental pain management. Stick around to learn about the causes and types of tooth pain, how CBD could help, the benefits, and how to use it.
Please note that this article is not medical advice. Disease and trauma of the teeth and gums can be more severe than you might expect and requires the attention of a dentist. Managing pain on your own does not eliminate the need for proper dental care.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
Almost half (47%) of adults over 30 have gum disease, also called periodontal disease. The overall cost of this public health problem added up to a total economic impact of $442 billion in 2010.
Toothaches can stem from a range of issues, and each one comes with its own additional considerations.
Tooth Decay
The surface of teeth has a layer of film called plaque containing bacteria. These bacteria respond to sugar from food, forming acids that permanently erode the protective outer layer of the tooth, the enamel. Once the enamel gets worn down, the acids start working through the softer layer beneath, called dentin.
This process of decay is the source of cavities, which are holes in the teeth. The result is a pain in the affected teeth, which can intensify while consuming foods and drinks that are sweet, hot, or cold. Other symptoms can happen, such as bad breath, black or brown spots on the teeth, or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
If you suspect you have cavities from tooth decay, get dental care as soon as you can. The dentist will likely address the problem with fillings, crowns, or a root canal procedure. In the worst cases, the teeth need to be extracted and replaced with implants or dentures.
Tooth decay is preventable by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, going to the dentist for periodic check-ups, and getting plaque removed.
Enamel Erosion
The same reaction from sugary foods, as well as exposure to acidic food and drink, can wear down the enamel slowly over time, discoloring and misshaping teeth. Enamel erosion can also occur in those who brush their teeth too aggressively.
Even without leading to cavities, enamel erosion can weaken teeth, so they’re more likely to crack, chip, and sustain other damage. The teeth also become more sensitive. This erosion is irreversible, but people can prevent further damage by limiting acidic and sugary foods and beverages and using soft-bristle toothbrushes.
Gum Infection
Gum infections called gingivitis also originate from the bacteria in plaque buildup. Gum infection can start off painless and go unnoticed at first, so dental checkups and cleanings can stop its progression.
This is the first step toward gum/periodontal disease, so look for signs like red, swollen gums that bleed easily, sensitive teeth, painful chewing, and bad breath.
Gingivitis can result from poor brushing habits or from having crooked teeth that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Tobacco use, diabetes, and pregnancy can increase the risk of gum infections.
Untreated gingivitis may eventually turn into periodontitis, a gum disease infecting pockets in the gums. Eventually, gingivitis can lead to bone and tissue damage, receding gums, tooth loss and shifting, unpleasant mouth taste, and persistent bad breath.
Root Infection
Bacterial infections at the root of the tooth can cause painful swelling. These infections normally come alongside cavities, cracks, and tooth fractures. Root infections cause tissue and nerve pain and damage, and abscesses.
For those with long-term, nagging, throbbing dental pain, root infection is one of the most likely causes. So, look out for swelling of the face near the infection, hot and cold sensitivity, and painful chewing and biting.
Patients with root infections will need root canals.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is common during sleep, but some people also grind their teeth throughout the day. In addition to teeth damage and jaw pain, grinding the teeth can also create headaches or earaches.
Besides jaw tension from anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders, abnormal bite and new, misaligned crowns or fillings can lead to teeth grinding. To help mitigate damage and pain, the dentist can provide a custom nighttime mouth guard.
Types of Tooth Pain
Let’s go over some different kinds of tooth pain and what they could indicate about what’s going on. While CBD might help you manage the pain so you can function better, you still need to go to a dentist to address the cause of your dental pain.
Throbbing at the Back of the Mouth
Throbbing pain at the very back of the jaw behind the rear molars can signal impacted wisdom teeth. There are usually four wisdom teeth, one on each side on the top and bottom. This issue needs attention from a dentist.
Momentary Hot/Cold Sensitivity
If sipping ice water or hot coffee causes you pain or sensitivity for just a moment, you may not have to worry too much, as long as the problem is temporary. However, short-lived temperature sensitivity can signify early decay, a loose filling, or slight gum recession exposing some of the root.
Lingering Hot/Cold Teeth Sensitivity
If tooth sensitivity persists for longer than 30 seconds, you may have a more serious situation. In this case, advanced decay deep in the tooth or physical trauma to a tooth may have caused permanent damage to the inner pulp. Go to a professional right away since a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
Sharp Pain When Biting
Tooth decay, cracking, a loose filling, or damage deep in the pulp tissue can cause a sharp jolt of pain when you bite. A dentist or endodontist can help decide on and execute the best solution.
Dull or Mild Toothache with Upper Teeth/Jaw Pressure
Bruxism, teeth grinding can bring about a dull ache or pain in the jaw and teeth. Alternately, a mild or dull ache in the face and teeth can be from a sinus headache. The doctor can treat a sinus infection, while the dentist can help you find a bruxism solution like a mouth guard.
Intense Throbbing, Swelling, Sensitivity to Touch
Alarming symptoms like intense, throbbing pain, especially with swollen gums, and sensitivity to touch, need immediate care from an endodontist to save the tooth. It may be an abscessed tooth from an infection of the tissue or even bone.
How CBD Oil Helps With Tooth Pain
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, one of the unique, naturally-occurring compounds from hemp plants. One of the special properties of CBD is how it acts as a natural analgesic or pain reliever.
Analgesic treatments can work in two ways, by reducing inflammation and by modulating pain perception, including nerve pain. The potential pain relief of CBD oil has possible dental applications.
This effect is due to how the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) uses cannabinoid receptors throughout the body in the immune system and nervous system to process CBD and regulate certain bodily functions.
Five Potential Benefits of CBD Oil for Toothache
CBD actually has a surprising range of potential uses in helping with painful dental issues, not just the pain itself. Here are all the ways CBD might play a role in addressing tooth pain and some of its causes.
Decreases Pain
We already mentioned how CBD helps the endocannabinoid system keep the body in check. That includes pain signaling of the nerves through the spinal cord to the brain, and the body’s inflammatory responses, a function of the immune system. Those are the two main ways CBD can help relieve toothaches.
Inflammation and Bone Loss Control
Due to anti-inflammatory effects, CBD might also mitigate some of the bone loss that happens during the progression of periodontitis.
Improves Oral Microbiome
Believe it or not, CBD has antibacterial properties, too. CBD can keep harmful bacteria down when used as an antiseptic agent in oral hygiene. Since it’s less harsh at killing germs than some synthetic solutions, antimicrobial CBD may preserve the healthy bacteria in the mouth to help maintain a balanced oral microbiome.
Alleviates Anxiety and Stress Behind Teeth-grinding
The anxiolytic or anti-anxiety qualities of CBD may help with tooth damage and toothache from stress-related teeth grinding.
Relieves Dental Anxiety to Encourage Dental Care
Another underlying reason behind many tooth and gum problems traces back to a lack of regular dental care due to anxiety. Fear of visiting the dentist prevents many people from getting professional care and cleaning regularly enough. CBD could scale back that anxiety, so people feel more comfortable getting the treatment and preventive care they need.
How to Use CBD Oil for Gum and Tooth Pain
With 64% of CBD users aiming for pain relief, toothache relief is a big draw. But whether your goal is to manage current dental/gum issues or help prevent future ones, incorporating CBD oil into a diligent oral hygiene routine is easy.
There are plenty of options when it comes to taking CBD oil for analgesic and antibacterial properties for the gums and teeth. You can mix CBD tincture oils into food and drinks, administer it under your tongue, dab it directly onto the gums, place it on your toothbrush, and/or swish it through your mouth like mouthwash.
Use CBD in small doses at first, and gradually build up to a larger dose if you need to. Take around 20 mg each day to start, and give it at least 20 minutes to start working after administering CBD.
Again, this is not medical advice. Treating pain with CBD or any other self-guided remedy is not a substitute for routine dental care. If pain, infections, inflammation, or damage in your teeth and gums is bothering you, seek medical attention so the condition doesn’t worsen.
Things like tooth, gum, tissue, and bone damage from infections or trauma can escalate into much worse problems. It’s better to get help from your dentist early on and address it early before more invasive options like tooth extractions become necessary.
1:1 Ratio Full Spectrum CBD Oil (1000mg CBD & CBG) – 10x More Pain Relief – Peppermint Flavor
This extra-strength CBD oil also has CBG for added antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects with pain-relieving activity. The full-spectrum oil with other hemp compounds increases the pain-fighting power compared to CBD alone. A refreshing peppermint flavor makes it more enjoyable to take CBD oil by itself so it can go directly to the source to fight and prevent pain.
1000mg Full Spectrum CBD Oil with CBN & CBG – 3:1 Ratio Best Sleep Formula
Don’t let dental pain keep you up at night. If an aching jaw, gums, or teeth disrupt your sleep, this full-spectrum CBD with CBG and CBN provides relaxation for a restful night in addition to relieving pain. Plus, if your dental problems stem from jaw tension overnight, this formula could help you stop grinding your teeth in your sleep.
Isolate CBD Oil 500mg, 1000mg or 1500mg
If you’re skeptical about other cannabinoids you’re unfamiliar with, or if you’re trying CBD for the first time, isolate or ‘pure’ CBD could be a good start. The effects may not be as strong as full-spectrum CBD, but this oil has added terpenes associated with calming and analgesic effects. So this isolate CBD could also help you relax more if you’re nervous about going to the dentist.
How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Tooth Pain
Here are the final factors to think about before you add any CBD oils to your cart and check out:
Ask a medical professional for recommendations
CBD and other cannabinoids are not for everyone. Talk to a medical professional like a general physician or dentist before using CBD to address tooth pain. They’ll help you sort out product quality concerns, benefits vs. risks, and prevent drug interactions with any current medications.
Check the label
The label has important information like uses and dosage recommendations, warnings, and complete ingredients.
Check the THC levels
THC is one of the most important possible ingredients to pay attention to. THC levels of 0.3% or above are illegal in many states and federally in the United States. Plus, if you are subjected to drug testing, even low or legal THC levels could potentially make a drug test come back with a positive result for marijuana.
Know your state laws
CBD is legal in the U.S. as long as it comes from hemp with less than 0.3% THC. But some states have stricter regulations regarding CBD and any hemp derivatives, so be informed before you choose a CBD product.
Your state may have medical cannabis and allow products with more THC, or the medical cannabis laws where you live might be even stricter than the federal government’s, only allowing CBD products with 0% THC.
Check the CBD Lab Test Results
Unanticipated effects or questionable THC levels are more likely if you get CBD from a less reliable source. Top-quality CBD providers will use third-party lab testing to verify all products and make the results available so you know what you’re really getting inside the bottle.
FAQs About CBD Oil for Toothache
Can you brush your teeth after using CBD oil?
Yes, you can brush your teeth after using CBD oil. You can also add CBD oil to the toothpaste on your toothbrush to brush with CBD oil.
Are there any known negative side effects of using CBD for toothache?
CBD side effects are not frequent or severe, but some people can experience mild side effects like dry mouth, so keep your dose in check and stay hydrated.
How much CBD should I take for tooth pain?
Start with low doses, around 20 mg daily, and slowly increase as needed.
Can CBD oil cause tooth decay?
No, if you have proper oral health care and hygiene habits, CBD oil will not contribute to tooth decay.
Can I take CBD oil before dentist?
Yes, you can take CBD oil before going to the dentist to reduce pain and/or anxiety.
Is CBD oil bad for your teeth?
No, while CBD edibles and drinks can be sugary or acidic, CBD oil is not bad for your teeth.
Does CBD oil stain teeth?
No. When combined with proper oral health care and hygiene, high-quality CBD oil does not stain the teeth.
How would you add CBD to your dental hygiene routine?
Tooth pain can take many forms and be a sign of a number of different conditions. The best way to figure out why toothaches are bothering you is to go to the dentist. While CBD reduces swelling, pain, and harmful bacteria, it doesn’t replace the need for periodic dentist visits for cleaning and checks.
CBD can help improve your teeth and gum health in a plethora of ways. So, how would you take CBD for dental health? Would it fit into your tooth brushing, flossing, and mouthwash routine? Or would you prefer to take it like a vitamin supplement under your tongue or with food or a drink?
Talk to your doctor or dentist about using CBD for toothaches and other dental health concerns, take care of your teeth every day, and go to regular dentist appointments for check-ups and professional cleanings.
If you’re dissatisfied with NSAIDs, nervous about dentist appointments, or looking for natural prevention, shop high-quality CBD products for pain relief.
