Dr. Bomstad has been noticing a correlation between oral health and marijuana use. He has been seeing an increase in gum infections with no obvious aetiology in patients who normally have healthy mouths. These infections have been the topic of conversation at recent continuing education classes. It is not just Dr. Bomstad who is noticing, but the dental community at large. At this juncture, it is unclear if the smoke or canabis is responsible for the gingival enlargement, but it is believed to be the canabis. As more states legalize the use of marijuana, more research needs to be done on the effects it has on oral health. We do know smoking any substance can cause periodontal disease, so smoking marijuana is no different, but those who smoke marijuana seem to have more oral health problems than those who smoke tobacco.
Another problem Dr. Bomstad is starting to encounter; patients think canabis use before their appointment will be helpful. The opposite is true. Canabis interfers with the anesthetic given, making it harder for you to get numb. The drugs also interact with each other and can cause patients to become parinoid, anxious, and hyperactive. It is important to be upfront with your provider about your canabis use.