Does marijuana affect your oral health?

Surveys of drug use in Spain show that more and more people are using 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 this really the case?

Access to marijuana is easier than it was years ago, which has led to an increase in both therapeutic and recreational use. In fact, marijuana is the most widely produced drug in the world according to the UN World Drug Report, and in Spain alone there are some 2.2 million people who consume it at least every month (EDADES, Survey on alcohol and other drugs in Spain, of the Ministry of Health).

Without going into the debate about the risks of its consumption, benefits and harms, the consumption of marijuana or cannabis has an impact on different body systems, such as the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems. Despite this, scientific studies are not conclusive when it comes to specifying the long-term harmful effects on these systems. What is well known is the cognitive affectation of this drug, which sometimes decreases the ability to concentrate, influences the mood and reduces cognitive abilities in general.

It may also adversely affect oral health, increasing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Effects of marijuana on oral health

Although there is no direct correlation between marijuana use and poorer oral health, there are some factors that may play a role, such as:

• Marijuana causes dry mouth, due to the lack of saliva in the short term. This alters 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 affect their oral health, as they also tend to smoke tobacco frequently, and sometimes follow poorer health habits (diet, rest, etc.).

Recommendations to take care of our oral health

• Quit smoking, either marijuana or tobacco. Studies on marijuana are inconclusive, but those on tobacco are. In addition, many marijuana smokers tend to smoke tobacco as well, so the risk of poorer oral health increases.
• If your gums bleed, see 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. Whatever your habits are, he or she will recommend 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 your teeth after brushing. It helps reduce cavities by more than 70%.
• Avoid consuming sugars, whether in food or beverages.

Oral health depends on a number of factors. Marijuana use, whether therapeutic or recreational, may be one of them. In any case, we recommend that you visit your dentist regularly to evaluate the state of health of your mouth and get specific advice on how to take care of it according to your case and habits.