Cannabis and Your Dental Health
Important information about how cannabis use can affect your oral health and what you can do to protect your smile.
With cannabis now legal in Canada, it is important to understand how its use can impact your oral health. Whether you use cannabis recreationally or medicinally, being informed about the dental effects can help you take steps to protect your teeth and gums.
How Cannabis Affects Your Oral Health
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Cannabis reduces saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and preventing cavities. Chronic dry mouth significantly increases cavity risk.
Increased Cavity Risk
The combination of dry mouth and the tendency toward sugary snacks during cannabis use creates an environment where cavity-causing bacteria thrive.
Gum Disease
Studies have linked regular cannabis use to higher rates of periodontal (gum) disease, including gum inflammation, bleeding, and bone loss around teeth.
Oral Cancer Risk
Cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Regular smoking, especially combined with tobacco, may increase the risk of oral and throat cancers.
Tooth Staining
Smoking cannabis can cause yellowing and staining of teeth over time, similar to tobacco use. The tar and chemicals in smoke adhere to tooth enamel.
Delayed Healing
Cannabis use can slow healing after dental procedures such as extractions, implants, or oral surgery. This increases the risk of complications like dry socket.
Tips for Protecting Your Dental Health
If you use cannabis, these steps can help minimize the impact on your oral health:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after use
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash to combat dry mouth
- Consider sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva production
- Avoid sugary snacks and beverages while using cannabis
- Maintain a thorough brushing and flossing routine twice daily
- Attend regular dental check-ups every six months
- Inform your dentist about your cannabis use for better treatment planning
- Consider alternatives to smoking, such as edibles, to reduce oral exposure
- Wait at least 30 minutes after use before brushing to avoid enamel damage
- Avoid cannabis use for at least 48 hours before and after dental surgery
Talk to Your Dentist
We encourage all patients to be open with their dentist about cannabis use. This information helps us provide better care, plan treatments appropriately, and watch for potential complications. Everything shared with your dental team is kept strictly confidential.
At London Square Dental, we provide a non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your habits openly. Our goal is simply to help you maintain the best possible oral health.
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