Frequently Asked Questions: Can Cannabis Affect My Oral Health?
Yes, it can.
Whether you smoke it, vape, or use edibles, cannabis (marijuana) can harm your oral health. It’s important to remember that cannabis affects people differently. The research on the health impacts of cannabis is still evolving and can vary depending on how long and how often cannabis is used, potency (strength) of the product, individual factors and the age it starts. Two ways using cannabis can affect your oral health is:
DRY MOUTH
Long-term cannabis use can lead to chronic dryness in the mouth, which can dramatically increase the rate of tooth decay and gum disease. Dry mouth can increase the risk of oral infections such as candidiasis, also known as thrush or yeast infection.
CHANGE IN TISSUE
Smoking cannabis can lead to inflammation in the mouth and changes to the oral soft tissues. The high temperature of marijuana smoke has been linked to changes in oral tissue and, over time, this can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. Cannabis users are at a higher risk of developing lesions and precancerous conditions. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxic chemicals as tobacco smoke. However, more research is needed to determine if smoking cannabis alone is a risk factor for oral cancer.
If you have any question the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. For more information visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/health-effects.html http://www.yourdentalhealth.ca/Pages/prevention/Cannabis.aspx
