According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, having diabetes puts you at elevated risk of gum disease. Clinical and anecdotal evidence suggests that using CBD oil for diabetic gum disease may prevent occurrence or exacerbation. 

As an antioxidant, anti-biotic, and anti-inflammatory agent, CBD oil offers numerous benefits for diabetic users at risk of gum disease. 

How do you tell if there is a problem with your gums or teeth, and how do you use CBD oil to improve oral health? 

Below is everything you need to know. 

Quick take: CBD for diabetic gum disease.

• Diabetes is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in some states.
• Unlike traditional painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines, CBD has an excellent safety rating. Meaning there is no risk of dependence or addiction.
• CBD may or may not affect blood sugar levels. THC may reduce blood sugar, but it will show in drug tests.
• Left unchecked, diabetic gum disease will lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, and infections.
• CBD is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant and thus has uses in the management of diabetes symptoms, including oral health issues. 
• Brushing teeth at least twice daily, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash, protect your teeth and gums from damage.
• You may apply CBD oil directly to gums.

For diabetics, we recommend sugar-free CBD products. 

Can diabetes cause gum disease?

Yes. However, proper dental care coupled with blood sugar control -reduces the risk of gum disease. In theory, rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash, brushing, and flossing daily -is enough to keep the mouth healthy.

Additionally, getting your teeth checked by a professional at least once every year can help prevent infections, pain, and discomfort. 

How does diabetes affect your teeth and gums?

According to medical studies, having high blood sugar is problematic for oral health because there will be more sugar in your saliva and under the gums. Sugar is a food source for good and “bad” bacteria. It will attract microorganisms that can do serious damage to the teeth and gums. 

Left unchecked, high blood sugar will:

• Attract bacteria that damage protective tissue around your teeth. 
• Cause gum recession due to damage from bacteria.
• Bad breath. 

Additionally, consuming foods that are rich in sugar, including white rice, soda, and so on, increases the risk of decay and cavities. Consequently, it is in your best interest to make brushing your teeth after every meal a habit. 

Diabetes and gum disease: what to remember

• Controlling blood sugar lessens the risk of diabetic gum disease.
• Having gum disease may worsen blood sugar levels.
• Left unchecked, diabetic gum disease will cause tooth decay and tooth loss.

What is CBD oil, and is it good for diabetic gum disease?

CBD oil is an extract of hemp or marijuana that has uses in the management of some complications caused by diabetes. You may use it to control pain and inflammation, but according to recent studies, CBD does not influence blood sugar. 

THC and THCV, the psychoactive compounds in marijuana, are proven to lower blood sugar in animal models. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, quote:

“We found that marijuana use was associated with lower levels of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, and smaller waist circumference.”

Consequently, if you are diabetic and intend to use medical marijuana, we recommend full-spectrum CBD or CBD products that contain THC. It could be tinctures, CBD gummies, sweets, pills, and so on. 

CBD oil for diabetic gum disease: what to remember.

• CBD is non-psychoactive and will not show in drug tests. THC is psychoactive, and you will test positive for at least a month, depending on how much you consume.
• CBD counters the negative side effects of THC but may not affect blood sugar.
• THC has been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar and may have uses in the management of diabetes. 
• CBD can help manage diabetes symptoms, including stress, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

CBD for diabetic gum disease: Cannabidiol as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Gum diseases, including periodontitis, are inflammatory. According to numerous studies, CBD can relieve inflammation -anywhere in or on the body through interactions with endocannabinoid receptors distributed throughout your body. 

Inflammatory gum diseases damage the gums, making it easier for bacteria and other microorganisms to enter. 

If you are diabetic, you are at risk of developing multiple oral ailments, including:

• Gingivitis and periodontitis (inflammatory illnesses).
• Thrush or fungal infections.
• Tooth decay and loss.
• Abscesses.
• Dry mouth.
• Irritation and pain.

Signs of diabetic gum disease

If you are diabetic, you know that there is an issue if you exhibit symptoms including bleeding gums, bad breath, and sensitivity to hot or cold drinks. Headaches and oral discomfort are also signs. 

Can CBD cause gum problems?

Vaping or smoking marijuana or other substance is bad for your oral health because it causes dryness and introduces pollutants and bacteria. Consequently, if you are diabetic, you should consider other methods of ingestion, including sublingual administration and ingestion.

What does CBD do to the teeth?

As mentioned, CBD exhibits antibacterial properties and is a potent analgesic. Consequently, if you have or are at risk of gum disease, exposure to CBD may benefit your gums in the following ways. 

• Reduced gum pain and inflammation. CBD prevents and relieves pain and inflammation with little to no side effects.
• Stress and anxiety relief.
• Improved sleep quality.

Does stress and anxiety cause oral health problems?

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may exhibit stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms more frequently than other people. Consequently, stress and anxiety management is a vital part of improving oral health. 

When anxious, you may experience oral symptoms, including TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), clenching or grinding, canker sores, oral ulcers, and dry mouth. A dry mouth increases the risk of infection.

Additionally, anxiety can cause you to neglect oral care.

How Can CBD oil help?

CBD is an anxiolytic. Consequently, it helps manage mood by reducing anxiety levels. 

The quickest way to experience anxiety relief using CBD oil is vaping, but as mentioned, vaping is not safe. 

What are the two early signs of diabetic gum disease?

Oral discomfort, pain, and bleeding are usually the first signs of diabetic gum disease. Consequently, if you notice any changes in oral health, despite taking proper precautions, consult with a dentist. Remember, diabetes can cause numerous oral health issues, including burning mouth, poor wound healing, infections, and periodontal disease. 

What are the oral signs of diabetes?

According to the CDC, undiagnosed diabetes may cause oral symptoms including:

• Dry mouth because of less saliva. Diabetes medications and smoking or vaping may cause a similar effect.
• You experience gum bleeding or inflammation regularly.
• Oral Inflammation or wounds take longer to heal. Oral wounds and inflammation usually take 3 to 4 days to heal depending on care and severity. 

CBD oil for diabetic gum disease: Cannabidiol as an analgesic.

As an analgesic, CBD helps to relieve and prevent oral pain. Oral pain may cause headaches and concentration issues. Compared to other painkillers, CBD works fast to relieve pain, has zero risk of dependence or addiction, and the side effects are mild. 

How does it work?

• Applying CBD directly to the gums or administering it sublingually causes inflammation relief resulting in pain relief.
• CBD helps manage stress and anxiety, meaning you are less likely to damage your teeth or gums.
• CBD is an antibacterial and antifungal agent, meaning it may protect the mouth from infections. 

What dental care is needed for diabetic patients?

CBD use is not enough to guarantee good oral health if you are diabetic. The compound helps to treat and prevent symptoms caused by oral health issues. Because of that, we recommend coupling the religious use of CBD oil with:

• Whenever you notice any changes in oral health, say bad breath, bleeding, pain, lose teeth, or unexplained pain, consult with a dentist or general practitioner to weed out potential underlying issues. Remember, gum disease can be a sign of not only diabetes but also other health issues, including high blood pressure or immune-deficiency issues. We recommend getting your teeth checked at least once per year. 
• Brush your teeth at least two or three times a day, preferably after every meal.
• Watch your blood sugar levels. 

Why smoking or vaping cannabis is bad for your oral health.

Smoking substances, including marijuana, is problematic for your oral health because (1) it can cause dryness increasing the risk of gum disease and decay. (2) smoking stains the teeth, making it necessary to brush more often to prevent discoloration.

Smoking can also contribute to inflammatory oral illnesses. 

Should I use marijuana if diabetic?

Diabetes is a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in some states. On the federal level, CBD extracted from hemp is legal to purchase and use. 

If you are diabetic, you may use CBD and THC to help manage symptoms, but it is advisable to consult with a care provider and check drug interactions.