A New Zealand study found that long-term cannabis use is associated with periodontal disease. However, this same study compared cannabis users and tobacco users, finding that cigarette smokers and nicotine users had far worse periodontal health (not to mention other negative health effects) than users of marijuana. So, just how bad is marijuana for your teeth, and are there any oral health pros to cannabis use?
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Cannabis Can Lead to a Need for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
Why are teeth and gums so affected by cannabis? The New Zealand study found that heavy cannabis users were less likely to have a regular flossing and brushing regimen. Nevertheless, even cannabis users who exhibited strong dental hygiene habits and kept up with their dental exams and professional cleanings every six months were more likely to have poor oral health. These conflicting findings make it difficult to point a finger solely at cannabis.
Some of the oral health side effects of marijuana use include:
- Green-tinted teeth
- Stains along the margins of the teeth
- Stains on the surface enamel
- Calculus build-up
- Altered gum tissue
- Dry mouth
- Cavities
While the go-to vision of cannabis users may be stoned young adults or aging hippies, there are plenty of functional cannabis users, particularly people who rely on marijuana to help manage the painful side effects of afflictions like cancer and MS. In cases like these, the risk-benefit scenario comes into question. Is it better to chance developing oral health problems to reap the rewards of medical marijuana and the cannabinoids within it?
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The Positive Impact of Cannabis on Oral Health
While marijuana, when smoked, may not necessarily be helpful for oral health, the herb does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Minimizing inflammation could be good for your gum health, putting a damper on the effects and progress of gum disease and easing the dental problems that can lead to a need for restorative dentistry. Cannabis is also known to have bone stimulation properties. This perk can help dental patients who are concerned with jawbone health because of age, injury, or osteoporosis.
Marijuana is known to help prevent nausea. When nausea often leads to vomiting, or if a person who is easily nauseated also suffers from acid reflux or indigestion, teeth will suffer. Acids from the stomach that make their way into the esophagus and, subsequently, the throat and mouth, expose teeth to far too much acid which can eat away at tooth enamel. Cavities will quickly follow.
Marijuana users who prefer edibles or vaporizers to smoking cannabis may experience fewer oral health problems. Still other cannabis users put derivatives of marijuana to work when they want to treat the symptoms of a toothache or abscess. Applications of a poultice or ointment are localized, which means the “high” of cannabis is avoided but the benefits are reaped.
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Share Your Habits with Your Midtown Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist
As with any holistic or herbal treatment, don’t allow cannabis to serve as your singular solution for a serious oral health problem. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, it is critical that you seek out your Manhattan cosmetic dentist for a proper diagnosis and the right kind of help. Dulling the pain or keeping it at bay is a necessary evil for some health afflictions. Oral health, however, can always be fixed, though it may take a little time in the case of an intensive smile makeover.
If you are seeking a dental professional to help you overcome any oral health challenges you are experiencing, contact Dr. Michael J. Wei at his Midtown practice to make your appointment.
