Recreational marijuana users are being warned of some health risks associated with smoking.
The Ontario Dental Association says you should be aware of some of these risks before picking up a joint or eating anything that is infused with cannabis. Past President Doctor LouAnn Visconti says everyone talks about what the drug can do to your overall health, but your dental health is often overlooked. “Just as with smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco, cannabis when smoked, vaped or eaten can actually increase the risk of development of head and neck cancer. Another side effect that many people overlook is that it can actually compromise your ability to fight infection.” Visconti says this can make you more prone to gum and tooth infections.
She adds that another risk of cannabis is developing dry mouth. “Cannabis actually reduces your salivary flow. Saliva really is your first line defence against cavities because it washes away sugars and acids and prevents them from sitting on your teeth for long periods of time.” Visconti says the best way to avoid dry mouth is to drink lots of water.
The dental association says in a release that smoking marijuana can also lead to:
- Staining: We all like to have nice, white teeth but marijuana smoke stains your enamel and can actually cause demineralization and make staining that much harder to get rid of.
- Munchies: We’ve all heard about people getting very hungry after smoking marijuana and the
traditional go-to snacks usually aren’t celery sticks. So be sure to rinse with a few swigs of water after snacking to prevent cavities from developing. It’ll also help with the dry mouth. - Marijuana edibles: Understanding dosages is critical when it comes to marijuana-infused edibles but you also need to watch out for the sugar content in the candies, chocolate and baked goods.
Visconti says you should tell your dentist if you plan on using cannabis so they can keep an eye out for any signs of bad mouth health.