02/09/2026
This article on cannabis exposure comes from the American Dental Association (ADA) and CNN.
ORAL HARMS OF CANNABIS EXPOSURE.
Experts revealed the oral health risks of cannabis.
The regular use of cannabis can elevate the likelihood of experiencing cavities, tooth loss and oral cancers, according to a news article from CNN. For instance, individuals who use cannabis may be more likely to present with oral lesions, have xerostomia, grind their teeth, consume sugary foods and forgo good oral hygiene habits like flossing and brushing.
A previous study published in Preventive Medicine Reports indicated that those with cannabis use disorder were more than three times as likely to develop lip and tongue cancers within five years compared with those without the disorder. The experts cited in the article hypothesized that a compound in cannabis known as tetrahydrocannabinol could hamper oral and nasal immune responses. Other known irritants and carcinogens such as ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and aromatic amines are found in high levels in cannabis smoke.
Further, cannabis can dampen the body’s response to anesthesia administered during dental procedures as well as raise both the heart rate and blood pressure. Patients who use cannabis regularly or prior to surgery could have a higher risk of requiring additional anesthesia and experiencing postsurgical complications. The experts noted that those using cannabis may face drug interactions and adverse reactions with any type of anesthesia.
Dental professionals were encouraged to ask their patients about their cannabis use in order to determine the safest and most effective treatment plans.
