A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association indicated that frequent recreational cannabis (FRC) use may cause tooth decay. In extreme cases, it can lead to severe tooth loss.
The cross-sectional study analyzed data from 5,656 adults ages 18-59 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2015 and 2018. The researchers defined FRC use as self-reported use of cannabis or hashish at least once per month for the past 12 months. The research team conducted log-binomial and logistic regression analyses before and after controlling for sociodemographic and behavioral factors (including age, sex, race or ethnicity, nativity, education, family income to poverty ratio, and alcohol consumption) to examine the association between FRC use and root surface caries, coronal caries, and severe tooth loss.
The researchers compared FRC users and non–FRC users. They found that people reporting FRC use had 17% higher probabilities of having untreated coronal caries, 55% higher odds of having untreated root surface caries, and 41% higher odds of having severe tooth loss after controlling for age, sex, race, or ethnicity, nativity, education, family income to poverty ratio, and alcohol consumption.
This study addresses a critical gap in oral health research, but more longitudinal research studies are needed to provide better health guidance about cannabis consumption and dental care. The association between cannabis and tooth decay will continue to be an important health concern as an increasing number of states legalize medical and recreational cannabis use. The American Dental Association recommends abstaining from cannabis consumption, but if that is not possible, they suggest using edibles or reducing smoking frequency and dose amounts as less risky alternatives. Some other helpful practices recommended by dentists include making dental health intake questionnaires more specific regarding cannabis use.
Sources: Journal of the American Dental Association, University at Buffalo