More than half of dentists (52%) find patients are high on recreational drugs when they arrive for dental visits.
This is according to a new survey carried out by the American Dental Association (ADA).
As a result, patients are told to refrain from using marijuana before appointments.
Due to marijuana and anaesthesia impacting the central nervous system, 46% of surveyed dentists reported sometimes needing to increase anaesthesia to treat patients who require care.
Currently, recreational marijuana use is legal in 19 states in the U.S.
Regular users of marijuana
Findings were revealed following two online surveys earlier this year – one of 557 dentists and a second nationally representative survey of 1,006 consumers.
‘When talking through health histories, more patients tell me they use marijuana regularly because it is now legal,’ says the ADA’s Dr Tricia Quartey, a dentist in New York.
‘Unfortunately, sometimes having marijuana in your system results in needing an additional visit.
‘Marijuana can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia and hyperactivity, which could make the 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.
‘Plus, the best treatment options are always ones a dentist and patient decide on together. A clear head is essential for that.’
Studies have also shown regular users of marijuana are at a higher risk of cavities than non-users.
‘The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, makes you hungry, and people don’t always make healthy food choices under its influence,’ Dr Quartey added.
‘Medically speaking, munchies are real.’
Dentistry’s top stories
Harmful to oral health
There are strong indications that smoking marijuana is harmful to oral and overall health. The ADA, for example, found that nearly four in 10 patients (39%) reported using marijuana, with smoking the most common use.
One quarter of these respondents said they vaped – with 51% of those respondents saying they vaped marijuana.
‘Smoking marijuana is associated with gum disease and dry mouth, which can lead to many oral health issues,’ added Dr. Quartey said.
‘It also puts smokers at an increased risk of mouth and neck cancers.’
This comes as we mark Mouth Cancer Action Month this November.
The ADA has called for additional research around marijuana and oral health. It will continue to monitor the science to provide clinical recommendations for dentists and patients.
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
