Patients visit when high, say majority US dentists

According to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA), over half of dentists have treated patients who were under the influence of marijuana or other drugs at their appointments. The ADA advises patients to avoid using marijuana before dental visits, as it can potentially affect oral health and treatment. As marijuana use becomes more common in the United States, it is important for patients to be aware of the potential impacts on their dental care.

“When talking through health histories, more patients tell me they use marijuana regularly because it is now legal,” said ADA spokesperson Dr Tricia Quartey, a dentist in New York. “Unfortunately, sometimes having marijuana in your system results in needing an additional visit.”

Drugs limiting care dentists are able to provide

This is because being under the influence of marijuana or other drugs at a dental appointment can limit the care that they are able to provide. According to a survey of dentists, 56% reported limiting treatment for patients who were high. 46% of dentists who responded to the poll said they occasionally had to increase anaesthesia in order to treat such patients due to the way marijuana and anaesthesia affect the central nervous system.

“Marijuana can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia, and hyperactivity, which could make the visit more stressful. It can also increase heart rate and has unwanted respiratory side effects, which increases the risk of using local anesthetics for pain control,” Dr Quartey said. “Plus, the best treatment options are always ones a dentist and patient decide on together. A clear head is essential for that.”

Two online surveys earlier this year, one of 557 dentists and the other of 1,006 consumers in a nationally representative sample, were undertaken as part of the ADA’s trend study.

Frequent marijuana users more likely to have cavities 

Additionally, studies have revealed that habitual marijuana users are substantially more likely to have cavities than non-users. Particularly when it comes to edible or topical forms of marijuana, the science underlying oral health and marijuana is just starting to become clear. 

“The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, makes you hungry, and people don’t always make healthy food choices under its influence,” Dr Quartey said. “Medically speaking, munchies are real.”

Marijuana associated with gum disease and dry mouth

There are numerous reasons to believe that smoking marijuana is bad for your teeth and overall health. A second survey about marijuana and e-cigarette use was conducted by the ADA with 1,006 respondents. According to the results of the representative sample, nearly four out of ten patients (39%) admitted to using marijuana, with smoking being the most popular method. Separately, 25% of those surveyed claimed to vape, and 51% of them did so with marijuana.

The ADA has urged for further study on marijuana’s effects on oral health and will keep track of the findings to make clinical recommendations for dentists and patients.

“Smoking marijuana is associated with gum disease and dry mouth, which can lead to many oral health issues,” Dr Quartey said. “It also puts smokers at an increased risk of mouth and neck cancers.”

Dentists advised to discuss marijuana use

According to the survey’s findings, 67% of patients said they feel at ease discussing marijuana with their dentist. The ADA advises dentists to bring up marijuana use while going over patient medical histories.

“If we ask, it’s because we’re here to keep you in the best health we can,” Dr Quartey said. “If you use it medicinally, we can work with your prescribing physician as part of your personal healthcare team.”

Patients who use marijuana can maintain good dental hygiene in the interim by brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, going to the dentist frequently, and choosing healthy snacks.

Source: American Dental Association