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Associations between Oral Health and Cannabis Use among Adolescents and Young Adults: Implications for Orthodontists

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  • Austin Le

    (Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
    Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA)

  • Edmund Khoo

    (Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
    Eastman Institute of Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA)

  • Joseph J. Palamar

    (Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA)

Abstract

Cannabis use is prevalent among adolescents and young adults in the US. Virtually all modes of cannabis consumption involve the oral cavity, and previous studies have linked cannabis use with poorer oral health. We sought to identify associations between cannabis use and various oral health outcomes and behaviors among individuals 12–25 years of age, and to discuss implications for orthodontists who largely interact with this age group over an extended period of treatment time. We examined data from patient electronic health records (N = 14,657) obtained between 2015 and 2021. Associations between lifetime and current self-reported cannabis use and several oral health outcomes or related behaviors that reflect periodontal health, caries status, oral lesions, and physical integrity of tooth structure and restorations were examined in a bivariable and multivariable manner, controlling for patient age, sex, and self-reported tobacco and alcohol use. Reporting lifetime cannabis use was associated with higher risk for having oral lesions (aPR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.07–1.85), bruxism (aPR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.09–1.58), and frequent consumption of sugary beverages and snacks (aPR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.41). Reporting current cannabis use was associated with higher risk for oral lesions (aPR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03–2.06) and frequent consumption of sugary beverages and snacks (aPR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07–1.48). Cannabis users aged 12–25 are at increased risk for bruxism, oral lesions, and frequent consumption of sugary beverages and snacks. Orthodontists and other dental professionals should probe for drug use and be cognizant of increased risk for oral health problems in patients that report actively using cannabis.

Suggested Citation

  • Austin Le & Edmund Khoo & Joseph J. Palamar, 2022. "Associations between Oral Health and Cannabis Use among Adolescents and Young Adults: Implications for Orthodontists," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:22:p:15261-:d:977108
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dimitrios Michelogiannakis & Irfan Rahman, 2022. "Influence of E-Cigarette and Cannabis Vaping on Orthodontically Induced Tooth Movement and Periodontal Health in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Therapy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-6, May.
    2. Dorothy Wallis & J. Douglas Coatsworth & Jeremy Mennis & Nathaniel R. Riggs & Nikola Zaharakis & Michael A. Russell & Aaron R. Brown & Stephanie Rayburn & Aubrie Radford & Christopher Hale & Michael J, 2022. "Predicting Self-Medication with Cannabis in Young Adults with Hazardous Cannabis Use," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-15, February.
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