Marijuana when used in excess can result in gum disease even among young people. By the time they are 32, most people can suffer from serious gum disease problem. These findings were observed by a study conducted by an international team on people born in Dundein, New Zealand in 1972 and 1973. Marijuana smoking has also been associated with mental health problems and lung disease according to an observation made by the Journal of American Medical Association ( Feb 6, 2008).
Gum disease is the most common dental problem faced by adults and is the cause for tooth loss, next to tooth decay. Marijuana smokers may use tobacco, but yet marijuana does cause gum disease in them. Even those who did not use tobacco also developed gum problems. Scientists from King’s College London, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina conducted the study. In 2007, it was observed that smoking caused gum disease in young people.
How Does Marijuana Affect the Gums?
The smoke had direct impact on the gums as it is inhaled. It is possible that the toxins in the marijuana are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. It affects the body’s mechanism to heal inflammation in the gums caused by the bacteria on the teeth. Those who use less of it had less chances of gum disease.
Marijuana smokers observed, tend to be males, occupying lower socio-economic positions and less chances of visiting a dentist.
Tobacco smoking can cause periodontal disease by interfering with the immune system, blood flow in the gums and the inflammatory response. Marijuana smoking also has similar effects.
People tend to smoke marijuana deeply as compared to tobacco users. It was also observed that those who smoked one marijuana joint had a higher risk of developing lung cancer as compared to those who smoked 20 cigarettes a day. Marijuana contains 400 chemicals compounds, quite a few being similar to those found in tobacco. It is hoped that the study encourages further research with regard to the link between marijuana and periodontal disease.
During the last half of 2003, marijuana was the third most commonly abused drug mentioned in the hospital emergency department visits dealing with drug related problems, following cocaine (20 percent) and alcohol (48.7%).
A separate study conducted also shows that bullous disease, a type of emphysema occurred 20 years earlier in marijuana smokers as compared to those who smoked cigarettes.
Marijuana is a widely used illicit drug in the U.S. based on reports given to us by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). It increases the risk of heart diseases, head and neck cancers, problems in the lungs and infection as well. It has also been linked up with social behavior problems.
Smoking marijuana can cause gum disease that can lead to tooth loss among those below thirty years of age. Young people can experience periodontal disease at an early age. Smoking less of it may not be that harmful.
