In the State of New York, marijuana is legal for both recreational and medical use for any residents who are 21 and older. If you regularly smoke or have been for awhile now, one factor that you may not be considering is how doing so can impact your gum health. From a dental perspective, smoking marijuana frequently may have unintended consequences for your health. Read on to learn whether marijuana can increase your risk of gum disease in Long Island.
How Can Marijuana Use Impact Oral Health?
Marijuana use, especially when smoking, is known to contribute to oral side-effects that can impact your health, like dry mouth. Additionally, because THC makes you hungry, many people who regularly use marijuana consume more foods that are high in carbohydrates (think snacks like potato chips, sweets, etc.). This contributes to an increase in harmful oral bacteria, as they feed off of carbs. Additionally, when cannabis is smoked, it can result in enlarged or swollen gums and is considered an immunosuppressive. All of these factors can impact your oral health in different ways, including increasing your risk of oral cancer and gum disease.
What Does the Science Say?
In 2017, Columbia University dental researchers published a study in the March issue of the Journal of Periodontology. They found that frequent recreational use of cannabis increases the risk of gum disease. From analyzing 1,938 US adults who participated in the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, they found that the 27 percent of participants who reported cannabis use were more likely to experience pocket depths of those with severe or moderate gum disease than less frequent users.
Tips to Help Prevent Gum Disease
If you use marijuana recreationally or medically, there are some small steps you can take to minimize your risk of developing gum disease:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This helps with digestion and dry mouth, preventing bacteria accumulation in the mouth.
- Choose Tooth-Healthy Snacks. If you know you’ll be snacking, try to keep your kitchen stocked with healthier snacks that aren’t as carbohydrate-dense. This will help prevent cavities and bacteria accumulation.
- Don’t Fall Asleep Without Brushing & Flossing: After you snack, you may get a little sleepy. Be sure to brush for two minutes and floss before going to bed so food debris and bacteria don’t have an opportunity to settle into your smile.
With routine checkups and cleanings from your dentist in Long Island, as well as these helpful preventive measures, you should be able to minimize your chances of experiencing gum disease. You can also always ask your dentist for further information on marijuana use and dental health, as they will be able to tailor their education and care to your unique dental history!
About the Practice
At LIC Dental Associates, our team includes two periodontists, who are specially trained to treat gum disease. With several skillsets and knowledgeable experts under one roof, our patients are able to receive comprehensive, high-quality care that’s tailored to them, all in one convenient location. To learn more or schedule an examination, visit our website or call 718-530-6539.