If you’ve ever had a dental filling placed before and you happen to be older, chances are you have a silver amalgam filling that contains small amounts of mercury. While silver amalgam is used due to its durability and longevity, many dentists over the years have opted out of using it to restore teeth due to the potential risks that have long been associated with it. If you’ve always wondered why mercury-free dentists make the effort to remove the material from their office, keep reading.

According to recent research, cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, is showing some promise for diseases tied to oral health. This includes gum disease and tooth decay, two of the most common dental problems affecting patients young and old. While at-home brushing and flossing should never be replaced with the use of substances like cannabidiol alone, it’s worth exploring the ways in which it can benefit your oral health moving forward according to a holistic dentist.