Cannabis smoke can increase the risk of mouth cancer. It can cause dry mouth and can lead to an increased risk of gum problems.
Cannabis – also called marijuana, pot and weed.
Tobacco – smoking is associated with an increased incidence of cancer, gum disease and poor gum healing, including mouth cancer (especially when done in combination with regularly drinking alcohol).
It can also increase your risk of mouth cancer, especially when consumed in combination with smoking.
Alcohol - regular intake of alcohol can cause a dry mouth and tooth erosion, as most alcohols are acidic.
Some substances may also carry high risk to our oral health, even if we may not consider them drugs: The regular use of drugs can cause significant tooth damage. Talk to your dentist about whether any drugs you are taking could be causing dry mouth.
has a washing effect that clears food particles away from tooth surfaces.
consistently repairs tooth enamel (the hard surface layer that protects the tooth) that has been damaged by acids in a process known as remineralisation.
neutralises mouth acids that cause tooth decay.
reduces the population of bacteria in the mouth.
Dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay. Some drugs reduce the flow of saliva and cause a condition called dry mouth. They can tell you if the drug is likely to affect your teeth and what you can do to help prevent dental issues. Some drugs can cause tooth damage, so it is important that you tell your dentist about any drugs you are taking. Healthy teeth and gums depend on good oral hygiene, a diet low in added sugar, healthy saliva and regular visits to the dentist.