Seattle Dentists discuss smoking marijuana and dental health
Marijuana has been legalized in Washington State which opens the discussion with your Seattle dentists about marijuana use and oral health implications. Marijuana use won’t have as dramatic, serious effects on your teeth as a drug like methamphetamines, but it can still mean bad news for your oral health. Similar to smoking tobacco, regular marijuana smoking can cause gum disease and other dental health issues.
It is the consensus of many lay people that marijuana is not as bad for you as smoking cigarettes. Like tobacco, marijuana smoke contains high concentrations of many chemicals and some are known cancer causing substances. Smoking marijuana puts users at risk for similar mouth problems as smoking tobacco; dry mouth, gum disease, tooth decay and oral cancer. Your Seattle dentists at Amato Dental Group are faced with patients that don’t smoke cigarettes, have good diets, minimal alcohol consumption, yet their gums and teeth are suffering. Dentists now have to ask the uncomfortable question, “Are you smoking pot?” Not only is this awkward, but patients sometimes do not want to tell us or have it recorded in their health history. It is important to have an open dialogue with Drs. LeCuyer, Amato and Guerrero to discuss the pros and cons of marijuana usage.
At Amato Dental Group we are here to partner with you on your oral health care. Whether you smoke marijuana for recreational or medicinal use it is important to remember that good oral hygiene, such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, along with regular dental visits may minimize oral complications associated with marijuana use. During your routine dental visit Drs. LeCuyer, Amato and Guerrero along with your dental hygienist will screen for oral cancer, check for tooth decay and gum disease, and make suggestions for combating dry mouth.
Contact our office today to schedule your routine dental hygiene visit at 206.626.5400.
