Although the harmful effects of smoking on the mouth, gums, and teeth are well-researched and widely recognized, most of this information pertains to smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes. Many people are curious: is smoking cannabis equally harmful to our oral health as smoking cigarettes? And what about vaping or using water pipes? We aim to provide information without judgment or criticism of those who smoke, but the team at Lux Dental wants everyone to be aware of the risks. This blog offers an overview of all forms of smoking tobacco and cannabis, allowing you to assess the potential risks to your oral health.
Smoking
All forms of tobacco are detrimental to both your oral and general health, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. In addition to containing nicotine, which is highly addictive, tobacco can elevate your risk of:
oral cancer
gum disease
slower healing after tooth extraction or other oral surgeries
limited dental care options (e.g., smokers may not be suitable candidates for implants)
bad breath
discolored teeth and tongue
reduced sense of taste and smell
Chewing tobacco increases your risk of cancers of the voice box, esophagus, colon, and bladder. You ingest some toxins from the juice produced during chewing.
Sugar is often added to improve the flavor of chewing tobacco, raising the risk of tooth decay. Chewing tobacco may also contain sand and grit, which can wear down your teeth.
Vaping
Vaping was initially considered a healthier option compared to traditional smoking. However, more research now indicates otherwise. The long-term safety of vaping remains unconfirmed, but early findings suggest it can increase exposure to chemicals that may harm your health. Additionally, vaping may expose you to nicotine, which is addictive.
Current research indicates that vaping products produce various chemicals and metal particles that users inhale. Although these toxic levels might be lower than those in tobacco smoke, some of these chemicals are known carcinogens. Certain aerosols can also lead to increased inflammation and bacteria in the mouth, potentially causing tooth decay and gum disease. Vaping liquids with propylene glycol are also associated with dry mouth.
If you vape or are considering it as a smoking alternative, consult your physician. Inform your dentist as well, so they can monitor for any potential issues.
Visit the Health Canada site to learn more about the risks of vaping.
Marijuana (Cannabis)
Whether you're new to marijuana or have been using it for some time, it's important to understand how this now legal substance can affect your dental health. Consider the following points:
Oral Cancer: Similar to cigarettes, marijuana smokers face the risk of oral cancer due to the drug itself and carcinogens in the smoke that can harm mouth tissues.
Dental procedures: Cannabis use can increase bleeding risk and complicate healing after dental procedures. It may also affect anesthesia and medications for your procedure. Learn more about Cannabis and Dental Procedures.
Dry mouth: Beyond being bothersome, dry mouth is a significant side effect of marijuana use that can lead to severe gum disease and cavities.
Staining: Marijuana smoke can stain your enamel, causing demineralization and making stains more difficult to remove.
Munchies: It's well-known that marijuana can increase hunger, often leading to unhealthy snack choices. Rinsing with water after snacking can help prevent cavities and alleviate dry mouth.
Cannabis edibles: Proper dosage is crucial with marijuana edibles, and it's important to monitor the sugar content in candies, chocolate, and baked goods.
Whether you're a new or long-time user of marijuana, discuss it with your dentist. They can examine your mouth and provide advice on preventing cavities and other issues from becoming more painful and costly to treat.
How your dentist can help
Your dentist, as a specialist in oral health care, is equipped to identify gum disease, oral cancer signs, and other issues in your mouth. You might not realize the effects smoking and vaping have on your oral health. Your dentist can provide information and guidance on these risks and assist you in quitting before the damage increases.
Dentists can also recommend and sometimes prescribe tobacco cessation medications for managing severe withdrawal symptoms.
How to quit
Stopping is the most effective method to reduce your risk. Here are some resources.
is a complimentary online program for quitting smoking provided by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Qualified participants are sent a free 10-week kit that includes 10 boxes of nicotine patches and five boxes of nicotine gum or lozenges, delivered straight to their home.
Smokers’ Helpline has proven, free and personalized tools to help you quit successfully.
Smoke Free Curious lets you imagine what a smoke-free life really looks like with tools and resources to help you quit.
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