Oral health

Oral health is the condition of the teeth, gums, tongue and lining of the mouth, and it reflects and influences the health of the rest of the body.

Healthy oral tissues depend on saliva flow, daily removal of dental plaque, a balanced microbiome and intact mucosa. Common problems include tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis, aphthous ulcers, dry mouth and oral thrush, and chronic gum disease is associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Dentists assess oral health by visual examination, probing the gums, X-rays and screening for oral cancer.

Oral health intersects with cannabinoid products in several ways. Sublingual and buccal formats sit against the mucosa, so their carriers, sweeteners and flavorings contact oral tissues directly, and smoking or vaping any material dries the mouth and irritates the gums. Cannabinoid receptors are present in oral tissues and salivary glands, and cannabidiol has been studied in laboratory models of oral bacteria and gum inflammation, but this research is preliminary and no cannabinoid has an approved dental use.