Toothpicks are good and evil in the field of dentistry. These little tools are intended to clean out food that has gotten stuck in your teeth and gums – that’s a good thing. In the wrong hands, however, wooden toothpicks can wreak havoc, break apart, stick in the gums, and cause damage. Now, the market offers CBD toothpicks. Where does this product stand when it comes to your oral health – and could they really help prevent gum disease?
The Benefits of All Toothpicks
Some people like the cool factor of having a toothpick in their mouth – a la Paul Newman and Matthew McConaughey. There are celebs and non-celebs alike who gnaw on toothpicks wherever they go, sporting them like any accessory. Other people use toothpicks because they really do need to get gunk out of their teeth. Now, there is a new subset of toothpick users – CBD enthusiasts.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active compound derived from the hemp plant, a variety of cannabis, which has medicinal benefits for many people. Non-toxic, non-psychoactive, and non-addictive, CBD has become a supplement for many people who are seeking pain relief, anxiety relief, and more, whether they ingest the CBD or apply it topically. CBD picks are being marketed as the best of all worlds and effective in treating inflammation and fighting bacteria – stats that make it appealing to people worried about oral health problems.
The CBD Toothpick Difference
Twenty percent of the world’s population suffers from dry mouth, which can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria and plaque, eventually causing tooth decay and infections. This problem is often a side effect of certain prescription drugs. The makers of CBD toothpicks are banking on being part of the solution to both problems.
CBD toothpicks combine the functionality of a toothpick with the health perks of CBD. The picks are designed to have the same therapeutic effects as CBD oil, creams, gummies, and tinctures. The typical instructions for CBD toothpick use is to suck on each end of the stick for several minutes at a time to get the biggest benefit, then continue to chew on the pick once it has been moistened to release the remaining ingredients.
Your mouth may tingle, but that action and the flavors of the toothpicks will stimulate saliva production, which is good for any mouth, and which is ultimately the key to how the toothpicks work – the CBD passes directly into the bloodstream from your cheeks, tongue, lips, and oral cavity. Plus, the presence of a toothpick of any kind can be effective in helping people stop smoking, dipping, or biting their nails.
Use a toothpick infused with CBD on your gums and this hemp derivative will be gently administered into your system. Everything that goes in your mouth makes its way through your body, including CBD, which is considered an inflammation killer and capable of destroying some harmful bacteria in the mouth or serving as a healing agent to inflamed or irritated gums.
What Do You Need to Promote Your Oral Health?
CBD toothpicks can potentially support your oral health, but it’s always important to check with your Manhattan dentist before you try anything new to make sure you get the green light for your unique oral health needs. Of course, it’s also imperative that you maintain your brushing and flossing routine and see your dentist twice a year for cleanings and check-ups – no dental product of any kind can do the work of a dentist’s tools and hands.
Contact Dr. Michael J. Wei to schedule an appointment at his Midtown Manhattan dental office on Madison Avenue.
