What Are the Rising Uses of Cannabis?
The connection between the use of cannabis (marijuana) and oral health, extensively studied over many decades, initially showed a low prevalence, reflecting the reportedly limited cannabis use among past generations. However, in the last three decades, the average American cannabis use has surged to an alarming figure of approximately 48 million people, according to global statistics. This substantial increase in usage has brought medical research attention to the forefront, focusing on the direct impact of cannabis on both systemic and dental health.
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Medical Cannabis: Many countries and states have legalized the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Cannabis is effective in treating conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea associated with chemotherapy.
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Recreational Use: Some regions have legalized cannabis for recreational use, allowing adults to purchase and consume it for non-medical purposes. This has led to the growth of legal cannabis markets and businesses.
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Cannabis Products: The industry has seen an expansion in the variety of cannabis products available, including edibles, oils, tinctures, and topical creams. This diversification has contributed to the mainstream acceptance of cannabis as a consumer product.
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CBD Boom: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, gained popularity for its potential health benefits without the "high" associated with THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD products, including oils, capsules, and topical applications, became widely available.
What Are the Detrimental Impacts on Oral Cavity?
A. Individuals who either acknowledge current cannabis use or exhibit a lifelong dependence on cannabis display a concerning and significant prevalence of oral lesions, as indicated by recent medical research. These lesions commonly present as blisters, sores, or ulcers in the oral mucosa, particularly in the mucosal membranes of the oral cavity.
B. Among adult patients who have reportedly used cannabis for an extended period, such as several years, there is a heightened likelihood of predisposition to bruxism or tooth clenching. Not only is bruxism a common experience in cannabis users, but with prolonged use, the adverse effects of clenching or grinding can lead to regressive alterations and increased tooth mobility. This discovery of a direct association between cannabis use and bruxism is noteworthy, especially considering that no previous studies have reported such a connection. Dental practitioners may also identify other potential risk factors that contribute to the subconscious development of bruxism in patients, and these risk factors are notably higher in cannabis users due to drug addiction, especially in individuals with substance abuse issues. Factors like psychosocial stress, fears, anxiety, and depression are recognized as clear predisposing factors for the development of bruxism.
What Is the Role of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) in Dental Caries?
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Numerous research findings indicate that individuals who currently use or have a history of cannabis use are more likely to report an elevated intake of sugary foods, including sweetened beverages and high-sugar snacks. This heightened consumption of sugary foods is a significant concern as it can predispose individuals to develop dental caries and periodontal disease due to the invasion of anaerobic microorganisms into the oral cavity.
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The correlation between cannabis use and dietary habits is noteworthy, particularly because the THC compound (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive component in cannabis associated with altered mental states and psychosis, can induce an acidic and cariogenic environment in the oral cavity. Medical research has demonstrated that THC acts as a stimulant for appetite, potentially leading to the overconsumption or increased frequency of cariogenic foods in the diet. This inclination towards consuming sugary foods, including sweet beverages, further contributes to the risk of oral health issues by fostering the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, known for their role in dental caries and periodontal diseases.
What Is the Significance of Orthodontic Dentists in Diagnosing Cannabis Addiction Among Adolescents and Young Adults?
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Orthodontists play a crucial role in identifying symptoms of compromised oral health due to cannabis use when gathering patient history from young adults and adolescents. Unlike general dental practitioners, maxillofacial surgeons, who are specialized dentists, possess specific training in recognizing oral manifestations of cannabis use. Many dental professionals, including orthodontists, often encounter clear signs of cannabis impact on oral health when examining dental lesions before initiating treatment or surgery.
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Orthodontists are particularly well-positioned to detect cannabis-related issues in teens and young adolescents, as this age group commonly seeks orthodontic interventions for aesthetic or corrective reasons. The age range of twelve-twenty five is considered the prime period for orthodontic treatments globally, making orthodontists key in diagnosing potential signs of cannabis addiction. Utilizing their expertise, orthodontists can identify dental problems such as caries, periodontal disease, bruxism, teeth regression, and dry mouth, which may indicate cannabis use within this age group.
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Current dental and medical research emphasizes the significant role of orthodontists in detecting cannabis use, given that common orthodontic appliances like metallic or ceramic braces and aligners can elevate the risk of caries and periodontal disease if oral hygiene is neglected. The unique connection between orthodontic treatments and oral health issues related to cannabis underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness in this dental community.
Do Cannabis Users Self-Medicate?
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The situation can be worrisome for the loved ones, family members, or friends of cannabis users, both on a personal and societal level. Current research suggests that long-term or addicted cannabis users may resort to self-medicating with cannabis to cope with psychosocial stress and other risk factors affecting their mental health.
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From a dental standpoint, there is an additional concern due to untreated regressive changes in teeth, oral mucosal alterations, and compromised oral immunity in these individuals. Preliminary research indicates a potential predisposition to jaw tumors, oral precancers, and cancers.
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Furthermore, self-medicating cannabis users may inadvertently harm themselves by not seeking medical or dental attention, exacerbating their dependence on the drug and worsening their psychosocial health issues. It underscores the importance of addressing both substance use and associated health concerns through professional assistance.
Conclusion:
Several recent research studies indicate a potential correlation between cannabis use and an increased risk of developing intraoral soft tissue lesions or oral mucosal lesions. If left untreated, especially in individuals with poor oral immunity or hygiene, these lesions could progress to serious conditions such as precancerous lesions. Orthodontists, as a specialized group of dental practitioners, may play a crucial role in identifying oral lesions associated with cannabis use, particularly in young adolescents and teenagers under 18 years of age. If someone is experiencing psychosocial stress or struggling with cannabis use and addiction, it is imperative to seek assistance from a healthcare professional promptly. Failure to do so may exacerbate the complications of untreated oral and systemic diseases in the body.
