Study Links Increased Gum Disease Risk to Cannabis

According to a study featured in the Journal of Periodontology , people who regularly use cannabis may have an increased risk of developing gum disease. The study compared participants who used cannabis at least once a month for a year to individuals who used it less regularly. Researchers discovered that regular users had more “pocket depths” than less frequent users—a pocket depth is the space between a tooth and the gum tissue, and it is a critical indicator of gum disease.

Gum disease is an infection of tissues that surround and support the teeth. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is caused by bacteria in dental plaque. Plaque is the sticky substance that forms on teeth in between brushing. To fight off the bacteria in plaque, your body’s immune system releases substances that inflame and damage the gums. This eventually leads to swollen or bleeding gums. It is also a major cause of tooth loss in adults. If left untreated, the buildup of plaque below the gum line causes the gums to be inflamed.

Warning signs of the disease are gums that bleed easily, swell, and cause persistent bad breath or leave a bad taste in your mouth. As the gums swell, pocket depths begin to form and allow bacteria to rapidly grow between the gums as they detach from the tooth. Poor oral hygiene, tobacco, genetics, and diabetes can increase the risk of developing gum disease. Individuals can prevent gum disease by practicing good hygiene, visiting the dentist regularly, and abstaining from smoking.

As per the Journal of Periodontology , frequent use of cannabis can also be a factor. Dr. Terrence J. Griffin, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, believes that recreational use of cannabis is becoming more common in the U.S. Griffin believes consumers should be more concerned regarding the health of their gums and overall oral health. “There are a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of periodontal disease, and this report suggests that cannabis use may be one of them.”

In a New Zealand study in 1972, researchers examined two middle aged groups. One group consisted of regular cannabis smokers and the other consisted of non-smokers. Fifty percent of frequent users had gum disease while only 13 percent of non-smokers had the same diagnosis. Individuals who smoked regularly were less likely to floss as frequently as non-smokers, however researchers couldn’t find a direct link to this and determined that smoking in general seemed to be the deciding factor.

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