 The American Dental Association, or ADA, says that just over half of all dental patients arrive high on marijuana or another drug.
The ADA issued a press release about this, and they suggested that patients try to refrain from using marijuana before dental visits. Surveyed dentists reported they sometimes need to increase anesthesia in patients who are high, because of how marijuana and anesthesia impact the central nervous system. ADA spokesperson Dr. Tricia Quartey, a dentist in New York said, “Marijuana can … increase heart rate and has unwanted respiratory side effects, which increases the risk of using local anesthetics for pain control.” Because of this, the ADA recommends patients speak openly with their dentist while reviewing health history during dental visits. Dr. Quartey said, “If we ask, it’s because we’re here to keep you in the best health we can.” On anther note, the ADA also pointed out that studies have also shown regular marijuana users are more likely to have significantly more cavities than non-users. Dr. Quartey said, “The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, makes you hungry, and people don’t always make healthy food choices under its influence … Medically speaking, munchies are real.” Lastly, the ADA press release reminded marijuana users that keeping up with regular dental visits is necessary for keeping your mouth healthy, because as they said, “Smoking marijuana is associated with gum disease and dry mouth, which can lead to many oral health issues.” The ADA recommends that patients who use marijuana brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, visit the dentist regularly, and watch out for those muchies! For more information on the oral health effects of marijuana, visit ADA.org. The American Dental Associations Media Relations [email protected] Comments are closed.
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