The following is how using cannabis can have a serious impact on your oral health:

• Long-term cannabis use can lead to chronic dryness in the mouth, which can dramatically increase the rate of tooth decay and gum disease
• It can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of oral infections such as candidiasis, also known as thrush or yeast
• Cannabis stains teeth and affects the soft tissue in the mouth
• The high temperature of marijuana smoke has been linked to changes in oral tissue and, over time, this can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer
• Edible forms of cannabis can be particularly dangerous as the level of THC in the product is difficult to control and the impact of the drug is long-lasting

Tell your dentist if you use cannabis. Using cannabis (in any form) before a dental procedure can negatively affect the type and amount of medication or sedation you require, increase bleeding, and complicate your ability to heal.

Patient information sheet: Cannabis & Dental Procedures (PDF)