Effects of Cannabis On Your Oral Health
The use of cannabis for purposes other than recreation has become more common in recent years, emerging as a medicinal treatment to relieve pain, anxiety, and depression among others. However, with the increase of medicinal cannabis, there has also been an increase in recreational use.
The use of cannabis, particularly marijuana smoking, has been associated with poor quality of oral health and can lead to contributing factors such as: dry mouth, an increase in cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth loss and even oral cancer.
A recent study published in the January issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association shows recreational use of marijuana may be associated with increased cavities and tooth loss.
This study reviewed data from 5,656 people aged 18-59, who participated in a National Health and Nutrition Survey from 2015-2018.
Frequent recreational marijuana use was defined as using at least once per month.
Those who reported using marijuana frequently were 17% more likely to have untreated cavities on the crown of the tooth, 55% more likely to have untreated cavities on the root surface, and 41% more likely to have severe tooth loss.
Cannabis use can also lead to increased anxiety, paranoia and hyperactivity may heighten the stress experience of a dental visit.
Research is ongoing and needed to further explain the potential negative effects of cannabis use on your oral health.
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