Chicago Dentist, Dentistry in Chicago

It has long been known that smoking cigarettes is one of the most significant factors leading to gum disease in people. New research suggests that smoking marijuana promotes gum disease, even in those individuals that do not smoke cigarettes as well.

In the new study, which was published by a New Zealand research organization, 900 young adults between the ages of 26 and 32 were examined by physicians and dentists. The results: one third of the individuals who had gum disease also frequently smoked marijuana.

This finding held true even for light users of marijuana (a mere once a week). They tripled their chances of developing gum disease by smoking a mere once a week. The increased chances of gum disease were also true for those that did not smoke cigarettes but did smoke marijuana.

The researchers involved in this study say that toxins in marijuana restrict blood supply to the gums which prevents the gums from healing as they should. Periodontist Peter Cabrera, who was involved in the study, says that if an individual smokes marijuana, they might not even know they have a serious case of gum disease until they start losing teeth. This holds true in particular for those that start smoking marijuana as a young adult.

Gum disease, in addition to causing teeth to fall out, also has been linked to heart attacks and stroke. If the disease is not treated, it will progress.

If you are experiencing problems with your gums, regardless of whether or not you have ever smoked marijuana, contact Chicago Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Bagai today. His experienced staff will help you treat your gums and get your teeth looking their very best.