We know that tobacco use has a significant negative impact on oral health. But research also confirms that marijuana smoking is directly linked to tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and a host of other dental problems.
In years past, dentists gathered anecdotal evidence regarding the effects of cannabis on oral health. However, now that marijuana is legal in many states, it’s a good time to review current research on the topic.
How Cannabis Affects Oral Health
Smoking marijuana can lead to a number of concerning oral health issues. These include:
- Periodontal disease: Like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains carcinogens that can increase the risk of gum disease. Those who smoke cannabis are much more likely to develop red, tender, or inflamed gums. A 2020 rapid research study suggests that frequent or daily marijuana smokers are at a higher risk for periodontal disease compared to those who smoke rarely or occasionally.
- Dental caries: The rate of tooth decay is also higher in marijuana smokers compared to non-smokers. This is exacerbated by the fact that many individuals develop the “munchies” after smoking. As a result, they consume snacks that are high in sugar content. This significantly increases the risk for cavities – even on teeth that are not typically prone to decay.
- Tooth loss: Left untreated, decay and gum disease can lead to more severe oral health issues, including mobility, serious infection, and tooth loss.
- Xerostomia: Individuals who smoke marijuana often develop “cotton mouth”, or extreme dry mouth. Saliva production is greatly reduced when smoking cannabis. Typically, saliva is responsible for flushing away plaque, food particles, and harmful bacteria. It also helps prevent bad breath.
- Increased oral bacteria: In general, those who smoke marijuana have higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria in the oral cavity. Many experts speculate that the smoke suppresses the immune system and alters the balance of bacteria in the mouth.
- Dental discoloration: Like tobacco, marijuana can stain the teeth over time. This can occur even when individuals practice diligent oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly.
The Danger of Smoking After Teeth Extractions
Anytime you undergo oral surgery, you should avoid marijuana smoking (and tobacco, for that matter) for at least a week or two after the procedure. In addition to drying out the oral cavity and increasing bacteria levels, it can also dislodge blood clots in the sockets – which are essential for a successful recovery. If the blood clot becomes loosened or dislodged, the underlying bone becomes exposed. This is not only incredibly painful, but it can lead to inflammation, chronic infection, and other complications which could warrant an emergency room visit.
How PerioLase Promotes Healing After Extractions
The PerioLase is a dental laser commonly used to treat gum disease with the LANAP procedure. Because it cauterizes tissue as it incises, it reduces (and often eliminates) the need for sutures. Dr. Dayan uses the PerioLase to promote a healthy blood clot formation following teeth extractions. She has seen an incredible difference in the healing results and her patients rarely require pain medications following teeth extractions. As the laser passes over the empty socket, the light energy stimulates the development of a fibrin clot, which seals the surgical site and creates an ideal environment for soft tissue regeneration.
What if I Use Marijuana Medicinally?
As more states legalize marijuana smoking (both recreationally and medicinally), more and more individuals are using cannabis for the alleviation of pain, anxiety, nausea, and more. Despite the negative oral health side effects, marijuana smoking offers numerous benefits as well. In addition to THC, the psychoactive component that makes you feel high, cannabis also contains CBD, which is commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, seizures, and chronic pain.
So, how can we find proper balance? How can individuals use marijuana responsibly without compromising their long-term oral health? The best approach is to consume it in other ways.
Marijuana: Smoking vs Tinctures, Edibles, and Topical Applications
While marijuana has traditionally been smoked, this form of delivery can cause just as many disadvantages as benefits. Fortunately, there are now several other methods that can deliver cannabinoids to your system without combustion:
- Edibles: Individuals commonly consume cannabis in a variety of foods, such as gummies, baked goods, chocolate bars, and even tea. Cannabis capsules are even available that you can take in pill form.
- Tinctures: Cannabis extracts can be mixed with glycerin or alcohol to create tinctures. These tinctures can be sprinkled on food or delivered sublingually. This method has been around for a long time. In fact, in the 1800s, it was the primary form of cannabis medicine before the prohibition.
- Topical treatments: In recent years, there has been a rise in THC and CBD topicals. These are often used to treat chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis. While topicals do not generally make you high, they are quite effective for pain relief. This may be an option for you, depending on your specific needs.
Gum Disease: Early Diagnosis is Key
Since gum disease is one of the most common conditions linked to marijuana use, let’s take a moment to focus on this condition. No matter what the cause of gingivitis or periodontitis, early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment.
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This condition causes red, puffy, and tender gums that may bleed when you brush. If you notice these symptoms, visit your dentist right away. When treated during this first stage, gum disease is actually reversible with a routine dental cleaning. However, left untreated, the condition will worsen. The bacteria eventually erode the supporting bone, creating pockets around the teeth. At this point, gum disease becomes a chronic condition that must be routinely managed, rather than cured.
LANAP: Minimally Invasive Treatment for Gum Disease
If gingivitis does progress to periodontitis, you will require gum treatment to address the issue. Once the infection is treated, oral health can often be maintained with periodontal maintenance – cleanings set at certain intervals by your doctor.
Traditionally, periodontal surgery required incisions and sutures. Today, LANAP is available. This treatment utilizes laser light energy to kill harmful bacteria and seal the periodontal pockets. Due to the less invasive nature of LANAP, there is less bleeding during the procedure and reduced pain and discomfort after the procedure. Read more about advanced LANAP treatment in Dr. Dayan’s previous article.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Marijuana Smoking
If you are a regular cannabis user, proper oral hygiene is especially important. Here are a few tips from our team to reduce the risk of decay, gum disease, and other dental issues:
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss between the teeth at least once every day.
- Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
- Talk to your dentist about preventative measures that can minimize your risk for oral health problems.
Contact Our Practice to Learn More
As dental professionals, our primary goal is to help our patients keep their natural teeth. Smoking marijuana can substantially increase your risk for oral health problems. If you are a regular cannabis user, it is important to have routine dental evaluations and treat any problems early on, before they worsen. Early diagnosis can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth.
To learn more about marijuana smoking and oral infections, schedule an appointment at Aurora Periodontal Care. You can also contact us online or call our Beverly Hills, CA, office at (310) 205-0900.
Dr. Sharona Dayan is a Harvard-trained, Board-certified periodontist in Beverly Hills, Ca. She helps people who are struggling with gum disease and tooth loss by using advanced technologies like lasers combined with traditional wisdom. She also loves to participate in podcasts on the topics of poor sleep, mouth breathing, the healthy gut microbiome and gum disease. You can reach her by telephone (310) 205-0900 or by email,