A new American Dental Association (ADA) survey indicates a rise in patients coming to dental appointments high.
Half of dentists surveyed responded that some patients use cannabis or other substances before they arrive.
According to the ADA, cannabis legalization’s nationwide sprawl is at least partially to blame.
Currently, adult-use cannabis is legal in 19 states, and medicinal use is legal in 37.
Both are legal in Washington D.C.
Cannabis legalization may spread further with today’s midterm election as five states have cannabis measures on the ballot.
Cannabis and Dentistry
ADA spokesperson Tricia Quartey, D.M.D. expressed concern over the trend, stating recreational cannabis use can limit the care a dentist provides.
“When talking through health histories, more patients tell me they use marijuana regularly because it is now legal,” says Dr. Quartey. “Unfortunately having marijuana in your system results in needing an additional visit.”
According to the ADA survey of 557 dentists, 56 percent reported limiting treatments to high patients.
The dentists say they limited treatment due to how cannabis and anesthesia affect the central nervous system.
Forty-six percent of surveyed dentists said they occasionally needed to increase anesthesia levels to some patients.
Dr. Quartey, who practices dentistry in New York, says cannabis use can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia, and hyperactivity, which may make a 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,” says Dr. Quartey. “Plus, the best treatment options are always ones a dentist and patient decide on together. A clear head is essential for that.”
The ADA says dentists should watch for other oral health concerns in their cannabis-consuming patients.
Cannabis and Oral Health
According to the ADA, smoking cannabis is associated with periodontal disease, xerostomia, and an increased mouth and neck cancer risk.
The ADA also says people who regularly use cannabis have a higher risk of developing cavities than people who do not use cannabis.
Dr. Quartley says it boils down to being high and eating the wrong foods.
“The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, makes you hungry, and people don’t always make healthy food choices under its influence,” says Dr. Quartley. “Medically speaking, munchies are real.”
With the increase in legalization, the ADA says additional research is needed to study how it may impact oral health.
The ADA says it will observe the science as it develops and provide clinical recommendations.
An ADA survey of 1,006 cannabis consumers revealed that 67 percent feel comfortable discussing their use with their dentist.
The ADA says dentists should discuss cannabis use with patients while reviewing their health history.
Thirty-nine percent of respondents reported smoking as their most-common method of consumption.
Twenty-five percent said they preferred vaping.
“If we ask, it’s because we’re here to keep you in the best health we can,” says Dr. Quartey. “If you use it medicinally, we can work with your prescribing physician as part of your personal health care team.”
The ADA says dentists can positively impact cannabis-consuming patients by stressing proper oral health routines like brushing and regular cleanings.