Marijauna Haze Over Boulder

As the haze lifts over Boulder from the 4/20 festivities yesterday, we wanted to take a moment and look into the dental consequences of smoking the whacky tobacky.

"New Zealand researchers have found that regularly smoking marijuana causes increasingly severe gum disease, with one in four heavy smokers with chronic periodontal disease by the age of 32, reports Australia's The Age. Periodontal disease was present in 11% of occasional tokers, as opposed to 6.5% in the general population.  Earlier studies have shown that smoking tobacco causes gum disease, but this is the first research to link the condition with marijuana use, The Age reports."

Research has also shown that THC interferes with the transfer of calcium through the body, a vital ingredient to healthy teeth.  Long-term use of marijuana affects teeth and makes them more susceptible to rotting and decay.

We have noticed that people who smoke marijuana or tobacco are more susceptible to stain, plaque buildup, hyperkeratinization of tissue, and tightening of capillaries.  Advice we tend to leave our guests with is, above all else, try to quit.  Be proactive about your oral health and homecare.  Have a cleaning, exam, and x-rays at least once a year so you can stay on top of any dental issues that may arise.  Peace out Boulderites.      - Juliet Dill, Beata Gerritsen

References

Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Meriter Health Services

American Medical Student Association

LiveStrong Foundation

The Age

Daily Camera, Mark Leffingwell for photo