I’m wondering if Zoom will help me. I smoke marijuana for medical purposes but I don’t want it showing up on my teeth. I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life so I didn’t even think about the marijuana to change my tooth color. I need to get my teeth cleaned up fast. I’m in a traveling choir for the Northeast chapter of my church and I don’t want to distract people with my teeth and become known as the weed-smoking choir member. We have a pretty heavy schedule for the summer and I’m looking for a quick way to get my teeth white and keep them white. I read that Zoom will help tobacco stains, but what about marijuana? – LM
LM – Before requesting Zoom from a dentist, we recommend that you schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning. Marijuana increases your risk of calculus buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. So your dentist will be concerned about how it has affected your oral health.
Your dentist will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for Zoom whitening. If you are a candidate for it, your teeth will need to be cleaned first. Cleaning removes surface stains and improves the effectiveness of teeth bleaching.
We recommend that you regularly get into the habit of rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after you smoke. This can help you limit the stains, or avoid them altogether. Flossing daily is critical to maintaining healthy gums. Your diligent oral hygiene, along with regular cleaning appointments will help control the stains. Most of the stains will probably be removed with dental cleaning and polishing your teeth.
Deeply embedded stains can be improved or removed with Zoom whitening. Your dentist will let you know the results you can expect. There is limited research on the effects of teeth whitening for marijuana stains, but bleaching is an effective way to remove stubborn stains.
This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.