This entry was posted on 2/13/2008 11:54 AM and is filed under Research.
Tobacco smoke is known as a primary cause of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Now a new study finds regular use of cannabis (marijuana) is also associated with an increase of gum disease.
Researchers in New Zealand conducted a study looking at marijuana and gum disease. They included more than 900 participants who were born in 1972 or 1973. The participants were asked if they smoked marijuana at ages 18, 21, 26 and 32. The answers included never, some and often. Some was considered to be one to 40 times total during those four years, and often meant more than 41 times.
Study authors report at age 32, about 43 percent of participants had periodontal disease. New periodontal disease between ages 26 and 32 was greatest in the group who used marijuana often. Furthermore, after controlling for tobacco use and other factors, those in the group that used marijuana often had a 60 percent greater risk of having periodontal disease.
The authors write, “The study’s demonstration of a strong association between cannabis use and periodontitis experience by age 32 years indicates that long-term smoking of cannabis is detrimental to the periodontal tissues and that public health measures to reduce the prevalence of cannabis smoking may have periodontal benefits for the population.”
