Your Health and Cannabis

A field of cannabis plants. Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock.

Cannabis has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years, and it has been legalized for medical or recreational use in many countries around the world. Despite the widespread use of cannabis, there is still ongoing debate about the potential health effects of chronic cannabis use.

In this blog post, we will explore the effects of chronic cannabis use on general health, including the impact on the brain, heart, lungs, immune system, and mental health.

Effects on the Brain

The active ingredient in cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which can cause a range of effects, including altered perception, impaired coordination, and changes in mood. Chronic cannabis use can lead to a variety of long-term effects on the brain, including memory impairment, reduced attention span, and decreased motivation.

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that chronic cannabis use can lead to changes in the structure of the brain, particularly in the areas responsible for memory and emotion regulation. Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that chronic cannabis use was associated with reduced brain volume in the hippocampus, which is important for memory and spatial navigation.

Adolescents and Cannabis

The developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of cannabis. Adolescents who use cannabis regularly may experience negative effects on brain development, including impaired cognition and memory, decreased attention span, and reduced motivation. Studies have also shown that chronic cannabis use during adolescence can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, particularly in areas related to memory and learning. Additionally, cannabis use during adolescence has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression, later in life. Therefore, it is important for parents and educators to educate young people about the potential risks associated with cannabis use and to encourage them to avoid or delay use until their brains have fully developed.

Effects on the Heart

Cannabis use can have short-term effects on the heart, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. These effects typically last for a few hours and can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Chronic cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in young people.

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that young adults who used cannabis regularly had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life, even after controlling for other risk factors such as tobacco use and BMI.

Effects on the Lungs

Smoking cannabis can have similar effects on the lungs as smoking tobacco, such as bronchitis, chronic cough, and wheezing. Chronic cannabis use has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, although the evidence is not as strong as for tobacco use.

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that people who smoked cannabis regularly for more than 10 years had an increased risk of lung cancer, even after controlling for tobacco use.

Effects on the Immune System

Cannabis use can affect the immune system, both positively and negatively. THC has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases or other inflammatory conditions. However, chronic cannabis use can also suppress the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections.

A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that chronic cannabis use can lead to a decrease in the number and function of immune cells, which can increase the risk of infections.

Effects on Mental Health

Cannabis use has been linked to a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Chronic cannabis use can also lead to addiction, which can have a negative impact on mental health and overall well-being.

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that frequent cannabis use in adolescence was associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidal behavior in young adulthood. Another study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of psychosis, particularly in people with a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Effects On the Oral Cavity

Chronic cannabis use can also have negative effects on the oral cavity. Smoking cannabis can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, smoking cannabis can irritate the gums and cause inflammation, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that chronic cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of periodontal disease, even after controlling for other risk factors such as tobacco use and oral hygiene. Therefore, it is important for individuals who use cannabis to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, and to seek dental care if they experience any oral health issues.

Conclusion

Chronic cannabis use can have a range of effects on general health, including the brain, developing brain, heart, lungs, immune system, mental health and oral health. While some of these effects may be beneficial for certain conditions, such as anti-inflammatory properties for autoimmune diseases, the risks associated with chronic cannabis use should be carefully considered.

It is important to note that the research on the health effects of cannabis is still evolving, and more studies are needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits.

This blog article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.

Suffering From Dry Mouth?

A dramatization of dry-mouth. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.

Drug-induced xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is a common side effect of certain medications that affects many people. It occurs when there is a reduction in the production of saliva, which can lead to discomfort and other problems. In this blog post, we will explain what drug-induced xerostomia is, what causes it, and what can be done to manage it.

What is Drug-Induced Xerostomia?

Drug-induced xerostomia is a condition in which the production of saliva is reduced due to the use of certain medications. Saliva is important because it helps to keep the mouth moist and comfortable, and it also plays a role in digestion and oral health. When there is not enough saliva, the mouth can become dry and uncomfortable, and this can lead to a range of symptoms, including difficulty chewing and swallowing, bad breath, and an increased risk of cavities.

What Causes Drug-Induced Xerostomia?

There are several classes of drugs that are known to cause xerostomia, including antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and certain blood pressure medications. The exact mechanism by which these drugs cause xerostomia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to their effect on the nervous system. These drugs can interfere with the signals that stimulate saliva production, leading to a reduction in the amount of saliva that is produced.

What are the Symptoms of Drug-Induced Xerostomia?

The most common symptom of drug-induced xerostomia is a dry, uncomfortable feeling in the mouth. Other symptoms can include:

- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking

- A sore throat and hoarseness

- Bad breath

- A dry, sticky feeling in the mouth

- Cracked lips and sores in the mouth

- Increased thirst

These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and can interfere with daily activities such as eating and speaking. They can also increase the risk of developing oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections.

How is Drug-Induced Xerostomia Treated?

The treatment for drug-induced xerostomia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, simply switching to a different medication that does not cause xerostomia may be enough to relieve the symptoms. In other cases, medications or other interventions may be needed to stimulate saliva production.

There are several medications that can be used to treat xerostomia, including pilocarpine and cevimeline. These medications work by stimulating the glands that produce saliva, which can help to relieve dry mouth symptoms. However, they may not be effective for everyone and can have side effects.

Other interventions that can be helpful for managing xerostomia include:

- Sipping water or other fluids throughout the day

- Using 2% or whole milk when eating to help lubricate food for swallowing

- Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva production

- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can dry out the mouth

- Using a humidifier to keep the air moist

- Using over-the-counter saliva substitutes or mouthwashes to help keep the mouth moist

In severe cases of xerostomia, a dentist or doctor may recommend other treatments such as prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinses, or dental procedures such as the application of fluoride varnish to help prevent cavities.

Conclusion

Drug-induced xerostomia is a common side effect of many medications that can cause discomfort and other problems. It occurs when there is a reduction in the production of saliva, and can lead to symptoms such as difficulty chewing and swallowing, bad breath, and an increased risk of cavities. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the problem.

This blog article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.

It's Not "Just" A Cleaning

Young lad sitting in the dental chair. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.

We cringe just a little (on the inside) when you call it a “cleaning”.

When you have an appointment with Kim or Emily, did you know that…

1) Every visit includes a head and neck exam;

2) We examine the oral hard and soft tissues to screen for any visible abnormalities;

3) We perform a visual oral cancer screening;

4) We screen for signs of tooth decay and cavities, and if appropriate update your bitewing x-rays;

4) And we screen for periodontal disease.

The oral cavity can exhibit signs of undiagnosed systemic diseases including: autoimmune diseases, anemia, thyroid dysfunction, gastric reflux, metastatic cancer and leukemia to name a few.

Unhealthy gums can affect your systemic health as well.

There is so much at stake when it comes to your oral health. Don’t leave it to chance! Be sure to attend your dental hygiene visits regularly!

The Complete Exam - Your Key to Optimal Oral Health

by Dr. Thomas Detert

April is Oral Health Month.

Quite often, oral health is a very neglected component of one’s overall health. That is, until, something goes wrong.

A tooth may start to ache, a filling my fall out, or your child may fall and break a front tooth. Then oral health becomes a priority.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates a strong correlation between your oral health and your general overall body health. Put another way, the health of your mouth is not isolated from the rest of your body.

That is why we recommend a complete dental exam, aka the “New Patient Exam” for all our patients. The complete exam is the key that unlocks the door to achieving optimal oral health.

The Complete Exam

The complete exam is the appointment where you establish yourself as a patient of the dental practice. The dentist and his/her dental team gather up all the information that they need to properly assess your needs and recommend appropriate treatment.

We allocate a significant amount of time to this visit.

At this visit you can expect:

• the opportunity to discuss your concerns and treatment goals

• discuss your medical history including current medications

• discuss your dental history including any problems or concerns with previous treatment

• a thorough oral exam and oral cancer screening

• a TMJ screening

• pertinent dental x-rays

• a tooth-by-tooth exam for wear, cracks, decay, bone loss, mobility, failing dental work and infection

The Treatment Plan

Once all the information is gathered, the dentist will then explain any findings. From there, treatment options to correct any problems and/or address any of your concerns will be discussed. The pros and cons of the treatment options will be discussed including expected longevity and costs.

A preventative plan to maintain your oral health will be recommended.

A word about dental x-rays.

Dental x-rays are a vital part of the complete exam. Up-to-date x-rays show the dentist a great deal about your teeth including:

• health of the bone supporting your teeth

• screen for dental decay between teeth and underneath existing fillings

• how deep a cavity or filling is in a tooth

• root anatomy and proximity to other structures

• infection in the bone

Summary

Having practiced dentistry for quite some time now, I can confidently say that the complete exam is the most important visit I ever get to have with my patients.

From the patient, I learn who they are and what they want. From the exam I learn what’s going on.

The patient learns about me, my practice style and treatment philosophy.

After presenting the findings, and options, together we decide upon the best possible treatment. The best treatment isn’t necessarily the most expensive — it is the best options for you based upon your needs, wants, and budget.

You Hate Flossing But...

Let’s face it.. very few people like to floss.

It takes time. It’s finicky. It can be hard to do around bridges, and between very tight teeth. Often, we leave it to the end of the day when we are tired and just want to get to bed.

Like any other beneficial health practice (such as eating right, or exercising), it takes time to turn a new chore into a habit.

If you consistently push yourself to floss once a day, at a specific time every day, after 21 days, you should have developed flossing successfully as a habit.

Many of us go out of our way to buy an electric toothbrush. But did you know that even the best electric toothbrush, used effectively, only removes 60% of plaque and food debris from your teeth. The other 40% can only be removed with proper flossing technique.

So why is flossing so important?

Flossing is the only effective way of removing bacteria, plaque, and food debris from between your teeth. If not removed, the bacteria between your teeth will ferment the food debris producing an acid that damages and eventually destroys the enamel, dentin and cementum of your teeth.

Flossing is also vital to disrupting the bacterial beneath your gum line that cause gum disease.

To quote one of my mentors, “You only have to floss the teeth that you want to keep”.

Does It Matter What Floss I Buy?

Overall, what really matters is that you choose to floss. The effectiveness between different types of floss is not particularly significant. In the dental aisle of any pharmacy, you can find a number of floss types and flossing aids such as floss holders.

I would recommend trying different types of floss until you find one that works for you. Don’t buy the cheapest stuff available as the very cheap floss tends to be more prone to tearing and breaking. This is especially true if you have very tight contacts between your teeth.

So How Do I Floss Properly, Anyhow?

To answer that question, watch this short video on YouTube. It shows the basics of effective flossing.