Nosotros know that tobacco use has a meaning negative impact on oral health. But research as well confirms that marijuana smoking is direct linked to tooth decay, gum affliction, dry mouth, and a host of other dental problems.

In years by, dentists gathered anecdotal testify regarding the effects of cannabis on oral health. However, now that marijuana is legal in many states, it'southward a good time to review current research on the topic.

How Cannabis Affects Oral Wellness

Smoking marijuana tin can pb to a number of concerning oral health problems. These include:

  • Periodontal disease: Like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains carcinogens that tin increase the take a chance of mucilage disease. Those who fume cannabis are much more likely to develop ruddy, tender, or inflamed gums. A 2020 rapid research study suggests that frequent or daily marijuana smokers are at a college run a risk for periodontal illness compared to those who smoke rarely or occasionally.
  • Dental caries: The charge per unit of molar decay is also higher in marijuana smokers compared to not-smokers. This is exacerbated by the fact that many individuals develop the "munchies" subsequently smoking. As a result, they consume snacks that are high in sugar content. This significantly increases the risk for cavities – fifty-fifty on teeth that are non typically prone to disuse.
  • Tooth loss: Left untreated, disuse and gum illness can atomic number 82 to more severe oral health issues, including mobility, serious infection, and molar loss.
  • Xerostomia: Individuals who smoke marijuana often develop "cotton oral fissure", or extreme dry oral cavity. Saliva production is greatly reduced when smoking cannabis. Typically, saliva is responsible for flushing away plaque, food particles, and harmful leaner. It too helps prevent bad breath.
  • Increased oral bacteria: In full general, those who smoke marijuana have higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria in the oral crenel. Many experts speculate that the fume suppresses the immune system and alters the balance of bacteria in the rima oris.
  • Dental discoloration: Like tobacco, marijuana can stain the teeth over time. This can occur even when individuals practice diligent oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly.

The Danger of Smoking After Teeth Extractions

Someday you undergo oral surgery, yous should avoid marijuana smoking (and tobacco, for that matter) for at to the lowest degree a week or two after the procedure. In improver to drying out the oral crenel and increasing bacteria levels, information technology tin also dislodge claret clots in the sockets – which are essential for a successful recovery. If the blood jell becomes loosened or dislodged, the underlying bone becomes exposed. This is non but incredibly painful, but information technology can pb to inflammation, chronic infection, and other complications which could warrant an emergency room visit.

How PerioLase Promotes Healing After Extractions

The PerioLase is a dental laser unremarkably used to care for gum affliction with the LANAP procedure. Considering it cauterizes tissue as it incises, information technology reduces (and often eliminates) the need for sutures. Dr. Dayan uses the PerioLase to promote a healthy blood clot formation following teeth extractions.  She has seen an incredible difference in the healing results and her patients rarely require pain medications following teeth extractions. As the laser passes over the empty socket, the calorie-free energy stimulates the development of a fibrin clot, which seals the surgical site and creates an ideal surround for soft tissue regeneration.

What if I Use Marijuana Medicinally?

As more states legalize marijuana smoking (both recreationally and medicinally), more than and more than individuals are using cannabis for the alleviation of pain, feet, nausea, and more. Despite the negative oral health side furnishings, marijuana smoking offers numerous benefits equally well. In improver to THC, the psychoactive component that makes yous feel loftier, cannabis too contains CBD, which is ordinarily used to treat feet, low, seizures, and chronic pain.

So, how can nosotros find proper balance? How can individuals use marijuana responsibly without compromising their long-term oral health? The best approach is to swallow it in other ways.

Marijuana: Smoking vs Tinctures, Edibles, and Topical Applications

While marijuana has traditionally been smoked, this form of delivery tin cause just every bit many disadvantages as benefits. Fortunately, there are now several other methods that can deliver cannabinoids to your system without combustion:

Marijuana Smoking and Oral Infections 1
Marijuana smoking alternatives
  • Edibles: Individuals ordinarily consume cannabis in a variety of foods, such equally gummies, baked goods, chocolate bars, and even tea. Cannabis capsules are fifty-fifty available that you tin take in pill form.
  • Tinctures: Cannabis extracts can be mixed with glycerin or alcohol to create tinctures. These tinctures tin can exist sprinkled on food or delivered sublingually. This method has been around for a long time. In fact, in the 1800s, it was the main grade of cannabis medicine earlier the prohibition.
  • Topical treatments: In recent years, there has been a rise in THC and CBD topicals. These are often used to care for chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis. While topicals do not by and large make you high, they are quite constructive for hurting relief. This may be an option for you, depending on your specific needs.

Gum Illness: Early Diagnosis is Key

Since gum disease is ane of the most common weather linked to marijuana use, let'southward have a moment to focus on this condition. No matter what the cause of gingivitis or periodontitis, early diagnosis is the key to constructive treatment.

The first phase of gum disease is gingivitis. This condition causes red, puffy, and tender gums that may drain when you brush. If you notice these symptoms, visit your dentist right away. When treated during this start stage, gum affliction is actually reversible with a routine dental cleaning. However, left untreated, the condition will worsen. The bacteria eventually erode the supporting os, creating pockets around the teeth. At this indicate, gum affliction becomes a chronic condition that must be routinely managed, rather than cured.

LANAP: Minimally Invasive Treatment for Gum Disease

If gingivitis does progress to periodontitis, you volition require gum handling to address the upshot. Once the infection is treated, oral health tin can oftentimes be maintained with periodontal maintenance – cleanings gear up at certain intervals past your md.

Traditionally, periodontal surgery required incisions and sutures. Today, LANAP is available. This handling utilizes laser light energy to kill harmful bacteria and seal the periodontal pockets. Due to the less invasive nature of LANAP, in that location is less bleeding during the process and reduced pain and discomfort afterward the procedure. Read more about advanced LANAP treatment in Dr. Dayan's previous article.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Marijuana Smoking

If you are a regular cannabis user, proper oral hygiene is peculiarly important. Here are a few tips from our team to reduce the risk of disuse, glue disease, and other dental issues:

  • Brush twice a mean solar day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Floss between the teeth at to the lowest degree once every day.
  • Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages.
  • Beverage plenty of water.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
  • Talk to your dentist about preventative measures that tin minimize your risk for oral health problems.

Contact Our Do to Learn More

As dental professionals, our primary goal is to help our patients go along their natural teeth. Smoking marijuana tin can essentially increase your take a chance for oral health issues. If you are a regular cannabis user, it is of import to take routine dental evaluations and care for any issues early on, before they worsen. Early diagnosis can make the divergence between saving or losing a molar.

To learn more about marijuana smoking and oral infections, schedule an appointment at Aurora Periodontal Care. You can also contact u.s.a. online or phone call our Beverly Hills, CA, office at (310) 205-0900.