5 Signs It’s Time to Reline Your Dentures
Replacing missing teeth is nothing new, and dentures are an effective way to help you eat and speak normally. But once you have them, when will they need relining? Learn more here.
Can A Family Dentist Get Stains Out Of My Teeth From Smoking Marijuana?
I smoke marijuana three times a week and it’s starting to stain my teeth. 2 years ago my doctor prescribed it for pain. It helps a lot but my teeth are suffering from it. People who know me remember my white teeth and are asking if I’ve started smoking. I don’t want to be judged or have conversations about why I’m smoking marijuana so I just say no. If I give too much detail then I will also get questions about my medical condition. I just say no I’m not smoking, and the conversation doesn’t go any further. I want to do something about my teeth for myself – not because of the questions I’m getting. I don’t want to ask my dentist about teeth whitening before I get an independent opinion first. My dentist will say he can do anything I ask. I brush and floss daily and I have even used whitening strips, but the stains don’t look much better. So can a family dentist get stains out of my teeth from smoking marijuana? Thanks. Jill
Jill – Whitening strips usually have limited results on embedded stains. Your family dentist can remove stains from smoking tobacco or marijuana with professional-strength bleaching gel. Your teeth should be cleaned by your hygienist and examined before any whitening treatment is started.
When you have a dental cleaning from a hygienist, surface stains on your teeth are removed. If any deeper stains remain, your dentist can whiten them for you. Depending on the whitening treatment your family dentist offers, you can receive in-office or take-home whitening.
We suggest that you let your dentist know you are smoking marijuana for medicinal purposes. Note the following facts for people who smoke marijuana:
- Calculus builds on your teeth faster.
- Gum disease rates are higher.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana stimulated your appetite and promotes snacking. This exposes your teeth to acid from sweet food and drinks and increases the chances of tooth decay.
Your family dentist might suggest that you schedule hygiene appointments more frequently than the bi-yearly recommendation.
Before your teeth are whitened, your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and free from decay. If they are, after a thorough hygiene appointment, you can discuss your options for teeth whitening.
This post is sponsored by San Jose dentists Dr. Ralph Stanley, Dr. Magdalena Azzarelli, and Dr. Rogé Jacob of Hillsdale Dental Care.
You Might Also Enjoy...
5 Ways to Protect Your Teeth from Halloween Candy
As we enter the fall season, the world is filled with pumpkin-spiced treats and plenty of sweets from Halloween — all of which can damage teeth without proper care. Here’s how to avoid the “sugar pitfalls” during the fall holiday season.
4 Tips to Extend Your Teeth Whitening Results
Stained, discolored teeth can make you want to hide your smile, but a professional whitening treatment can correct the problem. Once you’ve had your teeth brightened, though, you’ll want to make sure they stay that way. Here’s how.
Why Do My Teeth Suddenly Look Longer?
Tooth problems are common, but sometimes the signs are harder to see. For example, if your teeth start looking longer, you might think it’s due to a dental issue — but the answer to why it happens may be surprising.
The Link Between Oral Health and Facial Collapse
Our bodies are in a constant state of change, and nowhere is that more evident than in our bones. Reabsorption is normal for bones, but problems like facial collapse often stem from dental issues that can be prevented.
Do I Really Need to Brush My Baby’s Teeth?
Instilling good health habits in children means starting at a young age. With oral hygiene, it’s no different. But, is it necessary to brush your baby’s teeth? If so, when should you start? Find out here.