How Marijuana Affects Your Oral Health

Smoking marijuana recreationally has severe negative impacts on your dental health, as smoking marijuana is similar to smoking tobacco but with more harmful effects.

Here are a few of the negative impacts that marijuana has on your oral health.

Gum Diseases

When smoking marijuana, the high temperature leads to inflammation in the gums, leading to swelling. Frequent marijuana consumption can also lead to persistent bleeding in the gums, which can be severely damaging. In addition, other carcinogens present inside marijuana can cause dire problems as well.

Xerostomia

“Cotton mouth” is a rather commonly used term for marijuana smokers, as their mouths always seem to stay dry. High consumption of marijuana leads to lesser production of saliva as the THC present within the marijuana sends a signal to the endocannabinoid receptors to limit saliva production. A lack of saliva can cause many problems, such as harmful bacteria remaining in the mouth instead of being flushed out.

Tooth Decay

Post-marijuana consumption often results in igniting severe hunger and thirst, which makes its users eat uncontrollably. As a result, people will typically eat anything they can find and often opt for foods that are unhealthy and high in sugar. Such foods can further harm your teeth as the sugar sticks insides the teeth and causes teeth to decay.

Discolored Teeth

Discolored teeth are something marijuana consumers fall victim to, as the tar present within marijuana tends to make their teeth form a different color. Such people will then have to consider many teeth whitening options by making regular trips to the dentist.

Visit Syrpes & Pangborn now to book your appointment with Dr. Syrpes or Dr. Pangborn today to get more information on how drugs, such as marijuana, can affect your oral health.