Dental considerations with Cannabis

It has been reported that chronic use of cannabis is associated with gingival inflammation, gingival hyperplasia, and alveolar bone loss. Beyond these effects on the periodontium, manifestations including xerostomia, leukoedema, and potentially malignant lesions have been evaluated.

Poor oral hygiene is more frequently seen in cannabis users compared to non-users, presenting with higher levels of decay and plaque, which consequently contribute to the increased incidence of periodontal disease. Inflamed oral epithelium in these individuals is commonly diagnosed as “cannabis stomatitis” and contributes to the increased prevalence of periodontal attachment loss with regular users. Frequent use of the drug may triple the risk of severe periodontal disease.