It is well known that smoking cannabis can harm the lungs, heart, and brain. Now, new research suggests that frequent cannabis smoking can also damage teeth, leading to more cavities and severe tooth loss.
Dr. Ellyce Clonan, a researcher at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, recently discovered this connection. Her findings were published in the January 2025 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (ADA).
Clonan, who joined the university in 2024 as a clinical assistant professor, noticed a pattern while working at a public dental clinic in New York. Many patients who needed tooth extractions initially denied smoking. However, when given post-surgery instructions, such as avoiding fried foods and smoking, some admitted, “Well, I do smoke cannabis.”
Studying the Impact of Cannabis on Oral Health
To explore the possible link between cannabis and dental problems, Clonan analyzed data from 5,656 adults aged 18 to 59. The data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a program run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2015 and 2018.
She found that people who smoked cannabis at least once a month for over a year had a:
- 17% higher chance of having untreated cavities,
- 55% higher risk of root surface cavities,
- 41% higher risk of severe tooth loss, compared to those who did not smoke cannabis. These results were consistent even after considering factors like age, sex, race, education, income, and alcohol use.
Why Does Cannabis Harm Teeth?
Unlike edibles, smoking cannabis exposes the mouth to high heat, which is harmful to oral health. This heat causes dry mouth, reducing saliva production. Saliva plays a key role in protecting teeth by washing away food particles and bacteria. Less saliva means a higher risk of tooth decay.
Two other habits of cannabis users may contribute to dental problems:
- Eating high-fat, sugary snacks while under the influence.
- Forgetting to brush and floss after eating.
A Growing Concern
Cannabis use has increased significantly in recent years, especially as more states in the U.S. have legalized it. Clonan wanted to study its effects on oral health because there is less research in dentistry compared to medicine.
One challenge in studying cannabis use is that people may not always report it honestly. Clonan believes the actual number of frequent cannabis smokers is likely higher than reported in surveys. People in states where cannabis is illegal may be less willing to disclose their use.
The study showed that cannabis use affects people of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, cannabis use among adults over 65 has increased by 75% in just three years. At the same time, more young adults than ever are using cannabis daily, according to a 2023 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Educating Patients Without Judgment
Clonan does not suggest that cannabis is entirely bad. It has medical benefits for conditions like cancer and anxiety. Instead, she believes dentists should educate patients about the risks while being understanding.
“We want to inform patients about the dangers of smoking, but we also need to treat their choices with kindness,” she said.
She advises cannabis smokers to:
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth.
- Eat meals in one sitting instead of snacking throughout the day.
- Avoid sugary, sticky foods that can increase the risk of cavities.
- Brush their teeth after eating, even if they are still under the influence.
The Need for More Research
To help address this issue, Clonan suggests dental offices update their intake forms to ask specific questions about cannabis use. This would allow dentists to offer better advice tailored to patients’ needs.
She also hopes to conduct a long-term study tracking patients over time to better understand how cannabis affects oral health. “This study only provides a snapshot in time, so we cannot say for certain that cannabis use directly causes cavities and tooth loss. More research is needed.”
Her work highlights an important but often overlooked risk of cannabis use. While quitting smoking altogether is the best option for oral health, better awareness and small lifestyle changes can help prevent serious dental problems for those who continue to use cannabis.
If you care about gum health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more health information, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
The research findings can be found in The Journal of the American Dental Association.
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