How Does Marijuana Affect Your Oral Health?
At this point in time, most of us know that cigarettes and tobacco are bad for your health. Since November 2012, marijuana has been legalized in Colorado. One must ask if it is a major contributor to physical and dental problems as well? A recent study at the University of Arizona discovered that smoking marijuana negatively impacts the oral health of users. The study cited a higher incidence of periodontal disease in marijuana users.
Marijuana and Oral Health
Periodontal Disease
The study reported a higher incidence of periodontal disease in marijuana users. Some of the negative effects were attributed to poor overall oral care. Marijuana smokers in this study didn’t brush twice daily or floss at all, nor use mouthwash. In the same study, they found that pot smokers who had good oral health practices, still had a higher rate of periodontal disease and a higher number of cavities than nonusers.
Dry Mouth
Marijuana’s effect on teeth may result in dry mouth after smoking. With less saliva in your mouth, you’re unable to rinse away bacteria and food particles. This bacteria and food particles can lead to a higher incidence of plaque and tartar which then causes cavities and gum disease. Smoking any substance is one of the most significant risk factors associated with gum or periodontal disease because it causes inflammation around your teeth. This irritation can affect the bone and other supporting structures in your mouth, and its advanced stages can result in tooth loss.
Hunger
Marijuana is infamous for causing the munchies. Most of those who smoke marijuana don’t look for healthy options to satisfy their hunger. High sugar along with processed food and beverages are what most marijuana users reach for, which leads to a higher incidence of tooth decay and cavities, and weight gain. This is probably one of the reasons dentists see a higher rate of cavities in marijuana users.
Impact on Oral Health
The American Dental Association (ADA) is also concerned about the growing use of marijuana and the impact it has on oral health. The ADA notes it isn’t clear if the marijuana itself is the problem or if other factors associated with marijuana users like higher tobacco, alcohol and drug use are to blame for poorer oral health problems among users. Even so, the ADA cites several studies that report a higher level of cavities, periodontal disease, and oral cancer among marijuana users.
Marijuana Doesn’t Just Affect Your Teeth
There is also a link between those who smoke marijuana and oral and neck cancer. Smoking any substance that inflames your oral tissues can lead to cancerous lesions in the mouth. Smoking marijuana has carcinogens and toxic gasses up to 20 times higher in unfiltered marijuana vs. cigarettes. The toxic effects of marijuana smoke may have important health implications on oral cancer. Smoking is the largest preventable cause of cancer death. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.
Marijuana Use and Your Dentist
Marijuana use is growing in the United States. The connections between oral health and marijuana will continue to be studied and the results will become clearer as time goes on. For now, we know enough to say that marijuana is not good for your oral or overall health, and that it is contributing to a higher number of oral problems.
Make an appointment with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS by calling (720) 409-0008, or contact her online for an appointment. She can help you achieve a healthy smile and provide you with oral care routines to limit marijuana’s effect on your teeth.
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