Marijuana use isn’t, of course, a “new thing”, but with legalization of the drug across the country in 2017, dental professionals now have an added impetus and opportunity to educate patients on marijuana and oral health. While advocates often tout cannabis and cannabis oil as a cure-all for diseases and symptoms of diseases, there are also proven drawbacks to use that are associated with poor oral health.

Just like tobacco use and smoking, marijuana use has been linked to a number of oral and overall health issues. Ingesting marijuana in foods, and smoking marijuana, whether as cigarettes—or “joints”–or in vapes and pipes, can lead to:

• gingival enlargement
• chronic inflammation or edema
• oral cancer
• xerostomia, or chronic dry mouth
• gum disease
• tooth enamel staining

Studies show regular cannabis users have poorer oral health than non-users, with periodontal disease being the most common. Most regular marijuana users report “cotton mouth” as a common side effect. THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis reduces saliva production by sending signals to the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain. Less saliva can lead to more cavities, infections, and gum disease. Gum disease, in turn, breaks down the supportive connective tissue and bone, which ultimately leads to tooth loss. Some studies suggest that cannabis smoke decreases bone development around titanium implants—meaning not only is natural bone at risk with marijuana use, but dental implants as well.

Many people use medicinal marijuana for pain relief and other health issues, including anxiety. Although regular marijuana use does pose oral health issues, it is important to note that some can be mitigated with proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing. Patients who keep a schedule of regular dental appointments receive the added benefit of close monitoring and the advice and expertise of their dental health professionals to help keep dental, and overall health, in check.