Your dental health probably isn’t the first thing on your mind during a smoke sesh. But if you’re a regular cannabis user, you might’ve wondered about the effects of marijuana use on your teeth.
So, what actually happens to your teeth when you smoke? Why do some users end up with cavities? Is there a way to prevent weed-induced dental problems?
Read on as we answer these questions and more!
WEED AND YOUR TEETH: WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING IN THERE?
Can smoking weed cause cavities? Yes, but indirectly. Drying your mouth is the main culprit, although weed affects your dental health in a few more ways.
When you smoke, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) interacts with your endocannabinoid system, which can also interact with receptors in your salivary glands - these are the glands responsible for making saliva. When THC binds to these receptors, it sends a signal to reduce saliva production.
This can happen from not just smoking, mind you. Even edibles or vaping can trigger a cotton mouth because cannabidiol THC will interact with your salivary glands either way once it’s absorbed.
But how is this connected to cavities? Well, saliva does way more than keep your mouth wet. It’s actually your body’s natural defense against tooth decay. Without enough saliva, bacteria that cause cavities can thrive, and your teeth become more vulnerable to damage.
Let’s look at how this affects your teeth in detail below.
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DRY MOUTH DRAMA: WHY COTTONMOUTH CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS
The dry mouth after smoking is what marijuana smokers like to call a cottonmouth, but the correct medical term is xerostomia.
It’s almost a guaranteed side effect after toking. You feel like your mouth is stuffed with cotton - sticky, dry, and uncomfortable. Your tongue might feel like sandpaper, and swallowing becomes noticeably harder.
As mentioned before, xerostomia can put you at increased risk for cavities and other oral issues. Without enough saliva washing away bacteria and neutralizing acids, your teeth become more vulnerable to decay.
Plus, that dry environment is perfect for bacterial growth, which can lead to bad breath and gum diseases like gingivitis, which, if untreated, can cause tooth loss.
SO... HOW CAN YOU COMBAT COTTONMOUTH?
As a general rule of thumb, hydrate before, during, and after your smoke session. Having water nearby is your best defense against dry mouth.
Another way is to chew sugar-free gum or hard candy. Believe it or not, the simple act of chewing triggers your salivary glands to start producing more saliva naturally.
MUNCHIES AND CAVITIES: THE HIDDEN SNACK ATTACK
Another side effect that every marijuana user knows all too well is the munchies. When those cravings hit, you’ll probably reach for whatever snacks are around.
THC actually tricks your brain’s hunger signals - even if you just ate, it could make you feel starving. It stimulates cells that usually shut off appetite, making you feel like you could eat forever. Plus, cannabis imitates how carbs affect your stomach, which is why you suddenly crave all those sugary, starchy foods.
Here’s the real problem for your teeth:
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You’re craving foods highest in sugar and carbs
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These snacks are usually sticky and clingy
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They feed cavity-causing bacteria
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Your dry mouth can’t wash away the debris
But this doesn’t have to be the case. Planning ahead with tooth-friendly munchies can save your smile. Set up your healthy snacks before your session like:
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Fresh fruits for natural sweetness
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Cheese and crackers (protein satisfies longer)
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Crunchy veggies with hummus
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Nuts and seeds
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Sugar-free drinks
CAN WEED ACTUALLY HELP YOUR TEETH? THE SURPRISING TWIST!
Surprise, surprise - weed can also be good for your dental health! Who would’ve thought?
Early research is showing some promising results for cannabis and oral health. Certain cannabinoids like CBD can help with dental anxiety, a common reason many people don’t get regular checkups. CBD can also reduce gum inflammation and help with periodontal disease.
What’s really cool is how the cannabis plant affects your immune system and gum tissue. Studies show that while THC can cause dry mouth, other cannabinoids can help prevent bone loss and even kill some bad bacteria in your mouth.
However, this doesn’t mean you should ditch your toothbrush for a joint. Research is still in its early stages. And the truth is, while cannabis might have some surprising upsides for oral health, you still need to protect your teeth when you smoke.
PRO TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TEETH HAPPY WHILE TOKING
Can you do anything to protect your teeth without cutting back on cannabis?
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Stay Hydrated: Keep water nearby and sip often. Water isn’t just for cottonmouth. It also washes away bacteria and food particles that can cause cavities.
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Use aMooselabs Filter: A Mooselabs MouthPeace filter is advanced enough to filter tannins and resin from cannabis smoke that can stain your teeth. It also traps carcinogen particles that would otherwise lead to health effects like oral cancer and gum disease.
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Maintain Oral Hygiene:Brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once. But here’s a pro tip: wait 30 minutes after smoking before brushing. This gives your enamel time to reharden, as brushing too soon can damage your teeth. Until then, rinse with water or mouthwash.
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Combat Dry Mouth:Keep sugar-free gum or lozenges nearby. They naturally stimulate saliva production and protect your teeth when most vulnerable. Don’t get gum with sugar, though - that’ll worsen things.
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Plan Your Munchies: Before you start, set up tooth-friendly snacks like proteins and fruits. When the munchies hit, you’ll be less likely to reach for cavity-causing foods if you have better options ready to go.
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Don’t Ignore Dental Visits:Regular checkups are more critical when you smoke. Get professional cleanings to manage staining and catch problems early.
Also read: Can You Get Black Lips From Smoking Weed?
FAQ:
CAN DENTISTS TELL IF YOU SMOKE WEED?
Yes and no. Dentists may notice staining or dry mouth. They can only suspect it’s from cannabis use. These symptoms could be from tobacco, coffee, or certain meds. Dental professionals are more interested in your dental health than playing detective on your habits.
If you’re worried and need to hide your habits, taking simple precautions like good oral hygiene, regular brushing, and mouthwash before appointments can help hide any obvious signs.
DOES SMOKING WEED STAIN YOUR TEETH?
Yes, like smoking tobacco, weed smoke can cause stains and discoloration of your teeth over time. A tool like MouthPeace can help filter the carcinogens, tannins, resin, and tar when smoking, which reduces staining and protects your teeth. Regular dental cleanings also help manage stains.
CAN SMOKING TOO MUCH WEED MAKE YOUR TEETH HURT?
Yes, sometimes. When you smoke regularly, that constant dry mouth can make your teeth more sensitive by exposing your enamel. Also, some people clench their jaw or grind their teeth when high, which doesn’t help.
DOES SMOKING WEED AFFECT YOUR GUMS?
Marijuana smoke contains irritants that can affect your gums, and reduced saliva means less protection against bacteria. This can lead to gum tissue inflammation and, if ignored, a higher risk of more serious gum disease/periodontal diseases.
DOES SMOKING WEED SPEED UP TOOTH DECAY?
Yes, but indirectly. It’s not the weed but the dry mouth and munchie habits that create perfect conditions for cavities. When you have less saliva and more snacking, decay happens faster.
ARE EDIBLES OR VAPING JUST AS BAD FOR YOUR ORAL HEALTH?
Yes. Although they skip the smoke damage, they still cause dry mouth since they contain THC. Edibles bring an extra challenge - they often contain sugar that can sit on your teeth for hours if you don’t brush after consumption.
WHAT’S WORSE FOR CAVITIES: SMOKING WEED OR CIGARETTES?
Cigarettes generally cause more severe dental problems than weed because tobacco smoke contains stronger acids and more harmful chemicals that directly damage tooth enamel and gum tissue. Still, that’s not a green light to ignore the effects of weed on your teeth.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BRUSH MY TEETH IF I SMOKE WEED REGULARLY?
Brush at least twice daily without fail, and floss once a day. Consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash after sessions to help with dry mouth and keep your breath fresh.