Can Medical Marijuana Lead to Gum Disease?

Whether you use marijuana for medical purposes or just recreationally, it’s important to be aware of the effect that it can have on your body. While it has been known to help treat certain illnesses and symptoms, it is also associated with periodontal disease – or, as you might know it, gum disease. What impact can marijuana have on your oral health, and what can you do to protect yourself? Read on to learn the answers from a periodontist in Huntington Beach.

What is the Link Between Marijuana and Gum Disease?

In 2017, dental researchers at Columbia University published a study in the Journal of Periodontology regarding the connection between marijuana and gum disease. It was found that patients who used marijuana more frequently were more likely to have periodontal pockets, meaning there was an excessive amount of space between the gum tissue and the tooth roots. Periodontal pockets are a common symptom of gum disease. The correlation remained strong even after taking other factors such as smoking and a lack of regular dental visits into account.

One reason for the link between marijuana and poor oral health is the fact that using the substance can lead to dry mouth. Harmful bacteria tends to accumulate when there’s less saliva to wash it away, which naturally leads to an increased risk of the gums becoming infected.

What Happens if You Ignore Gum Disease?

If you notice any of the signs of gum disease, you can’t afford to ignore them for very long. As the disease grows worse, the tissue holding your teeth in place will slowly be destroyed, and you’ll eventually find yourself with gaps in your grin. Gum disease is also linked to a number of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and arthritis. Needless to say, the best way to protect your overall wellbeing is to have your gum disease treated as soon as possible.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Gums?

Cutting down on marijuana use is one possible step you can take towards protecting your oral health. The following measures should also help:

• Maintain a regular routine of brushing your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day.
• Clean between your teeth with floss or an interdental brush.
• Visit your periodontist if you notice any of the warning signs of gum disease, such as inflamed or bleeding tissue.
• If you notice your mouth is dry, drink more water. You can also chew sugarless gum to increase saliva production.

Gum disease in Huntington Beach can have a significant impact on your oral health, but you can get it under control with the help of your periodontist. If you use marijuana for any purpose, it’s important that you pay attention to the health of your teeth and gums so that you can get professional attention when you need it most.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga has over 15 years of experience in the field of dentistry. He decided to become a periodontist after undergoing the VA Palo Alto General Practice Residency. He is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and is board-certified in periodontics and dental implant surgery. If you’re concerned about gum disease linked to marijuana use, you can schedule an appointment at his practice, Huntington Beach Periodontics and Dental Implants, by visiting his website or calling (714) 587-9094.