Just recently, newer laws have been introduced covering cannabis use and the use of medical marijuana. With increasing acceptance of cannabis, it is important to understand how it could affect your dental health. It’s good to know how in turn this could impact your general health.
What You Need to Know about Using Cannabis
A recent study that was published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that recreational use of cannabis increases the risk of gum disease. These included hashish, marijuana and hash oil. The study found that frequent cannabis users exhibited more signs of moderate to severe periodontal disease. This is during periodontal exams compared with less frequent users.
Even when other factors were taken into account, it was found that people smoking cannabis have a better chance to get a periodontal disease. They are twice as likely as users who only occasionally use cannabis to have periodontal disease. Researchers were quite surprised by these findings, although it’s well documented that tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease.
This also raises the question as to whether medical marijuana could have the same kind of effect on oral health and is something that needs further research. If you do regularly use cannabis you need to be aware of this risk and using any form of cannabis could affect your gum health. If you don’t want to reduce your habit, then you can take steps to help reduce your risk and protect your gums, but ideally, it would be better to quit.
Important Facts about Gum Disease That You Need to Be Aware of
Gum disease or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that is incredibly common. Even if you don’t use cannabis, it’s still quite likely that you will develop some form of gum disease during your lifetime. Quite a few people will only develop the early symptoms of gum disease, a condition called gingivitis and which is easily treated and completely reversible.
The chances of receiving early treatment for gingivitis are extremely good if you happen to visit your dentist regularly. If you don’t visit a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, there is a far greater risk that you won’t realize what these early symptoms mean. It could be that you won’t even notice them because they can be pretty subtle.
One of the most important things to be aware of is bleeding gums or gums that look swollen or which feel sore. If your gums bleed then it’s a sign that your gum tissue is fragile because healthy gums are strong enough not to bleed when brushed and flossed. Any signs of blood on your toothbrush need immediate investigation by a periodontist or dentist.
However, smoking can mask this symptom because smoking can constrict the blood vessels in the gums so they are less likely to bleed. This is why it’s important to be aware of other symptoms such as red or swollen gums. Healthy gums are pink, feel firm when you gently press them and shouldn’t be swollen or sore.
These early symptoms of gum disease are easily curable. This is because your dentist is likely to recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned combined with a better oral hygiene routine. So, what happens if you don’t pick up on these early signs?
Why Advanced Gum Disease Can Lead to Tooth Loss
Advanced gum disease or periodontitis is far more serious and often cannot be completely cured. By this stage, the symptoms are much more evident as gum tissue is destroyed leading to gum recession, exposing your tooth roots. At this point, your gums are likely to bleed quite freely due to the advanced infection caused by gum disease.
Eventually, the infection will spread to your periodontal ligaments. This will hold your teeth in the sockets and to your jawbone so teeth will loosen and will need removing.
Why Advanced Gum Disease Can Affect More Than Just Your Oral Health
Tooth loss is bad enough, but a cannabis habit could also indirectly affect your general health. Periodontal disease has been connected with a number of health problems ranging from heart disease and diabetes to preterm labor. What’s worse is that periodontal disease is often chronic.
You could end up seeing an awful lot of your periodontist in the years to come as you try to fight this disease and keep it under control.
Easy Steps to Help Protect Your Oral Health
If the potential risk to your dental health isn’t enough to deter you from cutting down on cannabis then it’s worth taking steps to protect your oral health.
See a Dentist Regularly
Regular professional dental care is extremely important, even if you are still young and think your oral health is just fine. Your dentist will continually monitor your dental health by evaluating your gum health. If they see anything is wrong, they can recommend the most effective treatment to help restore gum health.
Often this will involve booking an appointment with the hygienist so your teeth can be regularly cleaned. Your hygienist will also offer customized advice on improving your brushing and flossing routine.
Brush Your Teeth At Least Twice a Day
No matter how busy you are, you can always find time to brush your teeth at least twice a day. This is an essential step that should never be missed, especially as you only need to brush for two minutes each time. Your hygienist can show you the best way to brush efficiently, so your teeth are thoroughly clean at the end of your two minutes.
Floss Before Bedtime
You must floss once-a-day and the best time to do so is right before bed so your mouth is cleanest while you sleep. This is important because saliva flow is reduced during sleep and the drier conditions allow the bacteria that cause gum disease to thrive.
See Your Dentist If You Think Something is Wrong
It is worth being on the lookout for any signs of gum disease, so keep an eye on the appearance of your gums and on their texture. The moment you notice blood on your toothbrush or that your gums don’t look quite right, get in touch with your dentist. Alternatively, you can always book a yearly periodontal evaluation with a periodontist.
Get someone who specializes in gum disease and who will be able to provide the most advanced treatments and advice about this disease.