Cannabis Smoking and the Mouth

Cannabis smoking has become much more common (and acceptable) in recent years. Recreational marijuana is legal in twenty states, and medical marijuana is legal in thirty-six. According to the CDC, 18 percent of Americans used marijuana in 2019. 1 It is estimated that about 90 % of users smoke it. 2 Smoking may negatively affect the mouth, teeth, and gums. Negative effects include periodontitis (gum disease), caries (tooth decay), xerostomia (dry mouth), a decreased salivary pH (increased acidity), and an increase in the density of Candida albicans (yeast infection, thrush). 3 This post will only discuss dental problems associated with the legal smoking of marijuana by adults; I will not touch upon other routes of ingestion of marijuana or its effects on any other part of the body other than the mouth.

General Health, Oral HealthScott Solomons, DDSMay 1, 2023Cannabis, Marijuana, periodontitis, gum disease, Tooth Decay, Caries, Candida Albicans, Smoking, Xerostomia, Hyposalivation, Dry Mouth, Anesthesia, Sedation, Green TongueComment