Ho w M arijuana Use Can Effect Oral Hea lth

The use of tobacco has been widely studied forits ill effects on oral health. Not only is cigarette, pipe and cigar smoke and chew tobacco very drying to oral tissues, the soft, moist tissue soft he mouth readily absorb the toxic mix of chemicals in these products. There is a notably higher risk for gum disease, tooth loss and other oral problems associated with to bacco use.

Yet, what we know ofthe hazards of tobacco use when it comes to your oral health is vast. Unfortunately, a new risk has emerged in the form of cannabis, or marijuana. As a growing number of states legalize the use of marijuana for purported medicinal reasons, it has become more available for recreational use as well. My concern is not related to how one chooses to use or not use it. As a periodontal specialist, my interest in cannabis use is due to growing evidence that frequent recreational marijuana use has been linked to a higher risk of periodontal( gum) disease.

those who use cannabis as an adjunct to medical treatment, it tends to have unique qualities. The use of medical marijuana, some claim, helps to ease pain from cancer, severe headaches, arthritis, and certain types of back injuries. Some patients undergoing chemo-therapy for cancer or AIDS claim it lessens the nausea and vomiting that are common side effects .

For those who suffer with diabetes, AIDS, or spinal cord injuries, it may help ease burning sensations in the hands and feet. Medicalmarijuana is also used to control muscle spasms and stiffness of conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS ).

Yet, despite the claims to its good, there area growing list of concerns associated with the accessibility of medical marijuana. Guidelines are still dependent on pending research as well as distribution by doctors who have received Schedule One permission. Additionally, the FDA still has marijuana in its Schedule One drug category, dee ming it a substance that has no acceptable medical use.

Marijuana use, according to several studies, is coming to light as an apparent risk factor to developing tooth loss and gum disease. In one study, researchers noted that participants who used cannabis frequently showed more signs of mild, moderate, and severe gum disease compared to those who did not use it on a regular basis. Frequency was defined as atleast once a month for a year or more. (https://www.perio.org/consumer/marijuana-use).

com es to your smile, the foundation for good oral health begins with healthy gum tissue. Gum disease is an inflammatory reaction triggered by infectious bacteria below the gum line. Symptoms include tender gums that bleed easily when brushing, swollen gum tissues, gum recession, and persistent bad breath. If untreated, eventual tooth loss will result.

Regardless of which side of the fence you a re on when it comes to marijuana use and its legalization , itis important to be clear on what is known. There is s till much to learn when it comes to cannabis. As a treatment option , some resea rch is looking in to it as potential treatment for Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and even Alzheimer’s.

he flip side, findings show that fatal crashes involving drivers under the influence of marijuana doubled in Washington after the state legalized the drug. (http s ://www.aaafoundation.org/impaired-driving-andcannabis ). Obviously, users should be practical when it comes to where risks lie, the health of your smile being among them.

f you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, you are urged to seek treatment to prevent the potent bacteria from entering your blood stream. Research has shown that the bacteria of gum disease can create inflammatory reactions elsewhere in your body. This systemic inflammation has been linked to heart disease, stroke, some cancers, pr et er mb a bies , di abet es, arthritis, impotency and more. Call 501-2624010 if my staff and I can be of assistance or visit: www.atkinsonimplants.com.