Exploring Associations Between Frequency and Methods of Cannabis Use and Tooth Loss.

PURPOSE: The increasing use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes has been associated with negative effects on dental hygiene and oral health. This study examined the relationship between cannabis use and tooth loss.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Analyses included 577,848 adults who participated in the 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 cross-sectional Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys. The association between past 30-day cannabis use and tooth loss was evaluated using multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, survey year, tobacco smoking status, and 10 chronic conditions.

RESULTS

About 12.3% of participants reported using cannabis in the past 30 days, with 6.5% classified as infrequent users and 5.8% as daily or near-daily users. Smoking was the most common method, especially among daily or near-daily users. Cannabis use was more common among younger adults, men, non-Hispanic Black and multiracial adults, and current or former tobacco smokers. Use also increased over time, particularly among daily or near-daily users. Tooth loss increased with age and was more common among cannabis users, especially daily or near-daily users and those who smoked cannabis. Adults who smoked cannabis had a significantly higher prevalence of tooth loss than those using other consumption methods. After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, tobacco smoking, and 10 chronic conditions, daily or near-daily cannabis use remained significantly associated with greater odds of tooth loss, while infrequent use did not. Tooth loss was also strongly associated with chronic diseases, including arthritis, depression, asthma, and diabetes. Daily or near-daily users showed stronger associations with some chronic conditions, although no statistically significant association was found with heart attacks.

CONCLUSION

Frequent and smoked cannabis use are associated with poorer oral health outcomes, particularly increased tooth loss.