Antimicrobial Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD)-infused Lozenges against Streptococcus mutans in Oral Health

Cannabidiol presents several benefits, including but not limited to its analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-pruritic, and anti-cancer properties. In this clinical trial, the antimicrobial impact of CBD-infused lozenges on Streptococcus mutans was examined using quantitative polymerized chain reaction (qPCR) bacterial analysis. This clinical trial involved 30 dental hygiene and nursing students who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study and were divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group was given CBD-infused lozenges for 15 days, while the control group received sugar-free candy. Participants consumed one CBD-infused lozenge (300 mg) daily for 15 days, allowing it to dissolve slowly in the mouth for gradual absorption. The study focused on measuring changes in the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans using quantitative polymerized chain reaction (qPCR) tests. Saliva samples were collected, and DNA extracted for qPCR analysis, assessing the bacterial load. The results, analyzed using a t-test, showed a significant decrease in Streptococcus mutans levels in the experimental group compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.0299).These findings suggest that cannabidiol may effectively reduce Streptococcus mutans in saliva, thus potentially helping to lower the risk of tooth decay as a multifactorial disease. This study underscores the potential of cannabidiol in enhancing oral health and calls for further research to explore its therapeutic applications in dental care.