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By Melissa Hutsell
There are multiple benefits to chewing gum, particularly sugar-free varieties. For example, research suggests that the act itself can reduce stress, and improve cognitive function.
CBD, Good for Dental Health?
In fact, one such study, Chewing and Attention: a Positive Effect on Sustained Attention, found, “chewing gum while performing tasks can improve various aspects of brain function, including alertness, memory, understanding and decision making,” reports Healthline.
Gum can be inherently relaxing; many opt to chew on it to help curb anxiety or cravings, like smoking or eating.
Turns out, adding CBD into the mix doesn’t just enhance the calming effects of gum—it also helps clean your mouth.
According to the recently published study, Comparison of Efficacy of Cannabinoids Versus Commercial Oral Care Products in Reducing Bacterial Content from Dental Plaque, “Cannabinoids have the potential to be used as an effective antibacterial agent against dental plaque-associated bacteria.”
Dental plaque, “is a complex biofilm that gets formed on the teeth and acts as a reservoir of different microbes. It is the root cause for the occurrence of several dental problems and diseases, including cavities, bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth decay, and tooth loss,” write the study’s authors.
When it comes to removing that plaque, cannabinoids prove promising—perhaps even more so than existing dental hygiene products. For example, “By evaluating the colony count of the dental bacteria isolated from six groups, it was found that cannabinoids were more effective in reducing the bacterial colony count in dental plaques as compared to the well-established synthetic oral care products such as Oral B and Colgate,” explains researchers.
For this reason, I was curious to try the Asheville Hemp Project’s (AHP) selection of mint gum to determine if my mouth actually felt cleaner after chewing on their cannabinoid infused variety.
The Asheville Hemp Project
All of AHP’s products are grown with regenerative, organic farming methods in Asheville, North Carolina–a city known for art, its craft food and beer culture, and its local hospitality industry. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Asheville businesses have closed their doors.
AHP, like many other companies in the industry, is stepping up to help their fellow community members. The project is committed to donating 50% of the sales of each of their products to the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund.
Additionally to their CBD Mint Gum, AHP offerings also include full spectrum hemp extract, chapstick, and unfiltered hemp pre-rolls—many of which the Emerald will review in the near future.
The gum is infused with 10mg of hemp oil extract, with 10mg of CBD. Extracts are tested by SC Labs—the certificate of analysis (COA) is available on AHP’s website, and includes an additional THC Test Report from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service.
Other ingredients in the gum include: gum base, maltitol, sorbitol, xylitol, isomalt, natural flavors, vegetarian magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and stevia.
Focus, or Freshness?
Each pack has eight fairly large pieces (about the size of a penny) of sugar-free mint gum.
Despite being sugar-free, the gum is sweet—more spearmint-y than peppermint-y. Compared to peppermint, spearmint has less of a cooling sensation when it hits the tongue. But it’s sweeter, and more delicate, according to Reader’s Digest.
The gum is sort of hard at first, and slightly chalky in texture. But it softens fairly quickly. The flavor is strong (not plant taste at all). But not intense; it lasted for roughly five minutes.
Flavor came and went by the time the soothing effects of the CBD kicked in (roughly 30-45 min). While subtle, I was slightly more focused and less anxious.
The effects on my teeth and breath were most impressive. My teeth felt super clean, and my breath remained minty fresh or a few hours. I felt it actually cleaned my mouth.
Other Considerations
The products were delivered in minimal packaging. That’s a major plus because many infused products come engulfed in excess materials.
Also minimal were the effects of the CBD. I feel the true benefits of this product are in its potential to actually clean teeth, kill bad breath causing germs, and benefit overall dental health. For that reason, I’d buy this product over and over again.
The only downfall of the gum, and the only reason it didn’t earn a full five stars, is because of its price point. At nearly $20 per eight-piece pack, it’s a little steep for regular use… But your teeth might thank you. And a portion of proceeds go to a great cause!
Altogether, AHP’s CBD gum earned 4.8 stars.
Stay tuned to the Emerald as we review more AHP offerings, including their hemp-infused chapstick.
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