Drug use surveys in Spain highlight that there are more and more people who use cannabis recreationally, albeit sporadically. Many consumers perceive it as a substance that is not very aggressive, even harmless to health, unlike tobacco or alcohol. But is it really so?
Access to marijuana is easier than years ago, which is why its use has increased both therapeutically and recreationally. In fact, marijuana is the most widely produced drug in the world according to World Drug Report of the UN, and in Spain alone there are some 2,2 million people who consume it at least every month (AGES, Survey on alcohol and other drugs in Spain, from the Ministry of Health).
Without entering into the debate about the risks of its consumption, benefits and harms, the consumption of marijuana or cannabis impacts different systems of the body, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory or immune systems. Despite this, scientific studies are not conclusive when it comes to specifying the long-term harmful effects on these. What is well known is the cognitive impairment of this drug, which sometimes decreases the ability to concentrate, influences mood and reduces cognitive abilities in general.
Likewise, may negatively affect oral health, increasing the risk of caries and periodontal diseases.
Effects of marijuana on oral health
Although there is no direct correlation between marijuana use and poorer oral health, there are some factors that can influence it, such as:
- Marijuana causes dry mouth, due to the short-term lack of saliva. This upsets the balance of flora and bacteria in our mouth.
- It also causes an increased appetite, which can lead to the consumption of cariogenic (cavity-causing) foods and sugary drinks.
- In general, the lifestyle of regular marijuana users can condition their oral health, since they also tend to smoke tobacco frequently, and sometimes follow worse health habits (eating, resting, etc.).
Recommendations to take care of our oral health
- Quit smoking, be it marijuana or tobacco. Studies on marijuana are inconclusive, but those on tobacco are. In addition, many marijuana smokers tend to also smoke tobacco, which increases the risk of poorer oral health.
- If your gums bleed, go to your dentist immediately. Although there are several factors that influence periodontal diseases, smoking tobacco or marijuana worsens the effects.
- Visit your dentist at least every six months. It will recommend you, whatever your habits, the most specific care for your mouth and your oral health in general.
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits. Follow your dentist's advice, and do it regularly and systematically.
- floss after brushing. Helps reduce cavities by more than 70%.
- Avoid consuming sugarseither in food or beverages.
Oral health depends on various factors. Marijuana use, whether therapeutic or recreational, can be one more. In any case, we recommend that you visit your dentist regularly to assess the health of your mouth and give you specific advice to care for it according to your case and your habits.