{"id":30,"date":"2020-07-21T13:05:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-21T13:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonbeachperiodontics.com\/blog\/?p=30"},"modified":"2020-07-22T13:07:22","modified_gmt":"2020-07-22T13:07:22","slug":"can-medical-marijuana-lead-to-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntingtonbeachperiodontics.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/21\/can-medical-marijuana-lead-to-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Medical Marijuana Lead to Gum Disease?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Whether you use marijuana for medical purposes or just recreationally, it\u2019s 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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is the Link Between Marijuana and Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2017, dental researchers at Columbia University published a study<\/a> in the Journal of Periodontology<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s less saliva to wash it away, which naturally leads to an increased risk of the gums becoming infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens if You Ignore Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you notice any of the signs of gum disease, you can\u2019t 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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do to Protect Your Gums?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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