More and more people are using marijuana legally as a result of increasing legislation and policies governing its usage. Cannabis can also be found in other forms, such as topical ointments, edible treats, and concentrated oils that are used in vape pens. Smoking cannabis is the most popular way to consume it. If you don’t take precautions, the way you consume marijuana may have negative impacts on your dental health. If you smoke marijuana frequently, you should be prepared for the following.
More Propensity for Periodontal Disease
Smoking marijuana has been linked to periodontal disease, gingivitis, and general gum irritation, much like the consequences of tobacco. The body as a whole, but especially the gums and teeth, might suffer from the toxins included in marijuana smoke. High temperatures can be particularly irritating to the gums when breathing smoke, which can result in swelling, irritation, and even bleeding in the gums. You are more likely to develop periodontal disease if you smoke more marijuana and use it on a regular basis for a longer amount of time during your lifetime.
Dentists advise following a meticulous oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing teeth twice daily and flossing once daily to help avoid gum disease. Consider using cannabis in a different way than smoking if you are experiencing gum sensitivity and inflammation. Although there may be additional health implications with marijuana edibles and ointments, they won’t irritate the gums in the same way as smoking does. Ask your doctor which form of marijuana would be best for you if you use it for medical purposes.
Teeth discoloration and staining
If you do not maintain appropriate dental hygiene, the smoke from marijuana can potentially discolor your teeth. There is a chance of discolouration even when you consistently wash and floss your teeth and visit the dentist for regular teeth cleanings every six months. Once more, regular inhalation of marijuana smoke’s toxins can discolor teeth. Smoking of any kind will eventually stain the teeth if done frequently, even though tobacco smoke appears to induce a more dramatic discoloration than marijuana.
You should consider whitening procedures to prevent yellowing and staining of the teeth brought on by marijuana use if you want to maintain your smile’s brilliance. Of course, there are certain factors to take into account before having your teeth whitened, such as dental sensitivity, gum inflammation, and other problems that may need to be remedied before receiving a professional teeth-whitening procedure. If you have persistent discolouration, you can always ask your dentist if teeth whitening would be a good option for you.
Most cannabis users have dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, which is a typical side effect of using marijuana. Unfortunately, it might eventually have a very detrimental effect on your oral health. Saliva is required to keep the pH of your mouth in balance, as well as to stop things like tooth decay, bad breath, oral fungus infections, tongue irritation, and more. You can understand why having a dry mouth is bad for your oral health because healthy amounts of saliva are also required for eating and speaking.
Keep yourself hydrated, keep away from sweet or acidic foods and beverages, consume less caffeine, and use a mouthwash made specifically for dry mouth to aid with the symptoms of dry mouth. To encourage the production of saliva, it may also be beneficial to eat sugar-free gum or hard candies. To prevent the negative effects of dry mouth, particularly poor breath and tooth decay, it is imperative to attempt to maintain your saliva production at a set level.
Bacterial Overgrowth and Tooth Decay
It’s not unusual for folks who have smoked marijuana for longer periods of time to notice their sore gums beginning to split from their teeth. Plaque and bacteria can build in the pocket that is formed when the gums and teeth are separated in this way. If left untreated, this will eventually lead to gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and other dental problems.
Additionally, some evidence suggests that cannabis smoke may have an immunosuppressive impact on the mouth, according to the American Dental Association1. People who regularly consume marijuana may develop oral candidiasis and increased bacterial counts as a result of this. Again, this increases the patient’s risk of developing cavities and tooth decay. It’s crucial to discuss this risk with your dentist and learn the best ways to stop oral bacteria from developing tooth decay. Maintaining good oral hygiene and going to the dentist on a regular basis will help you fight this particular problem.
