Half of US dentists see patients high on marijuana, new study suggests
A new study suggests that more than half of US dentists see patients who are high on marijuana.
A survey carried out by the American Dental Association (ADA) revealed that 52% of dentists find that patients have taken recreational drugs before appointments. More than 45% of those surveyed by the ADA have had to increase anaesthesia doses to treat patients. This is due to the impact of drugs like marijuana on the central nervous system.
In many states in the US, it is legal to use marijuana recreationally and CBD and THC are widely available across the country for medicinal use. Recreational cannabis is legal in 19 states, but the numbers could increase.
In response to increased rates of marijuana use, dental authorities have issued new guidelines, advising patients to avoid using drugs before they attend dental appointments. Marijuana affects the nervous system, which means that dentists may have to use stronger doses of anaesthetic.
Dr Tricia Quartey, a New York dentist and member of the ADA, explained that having marijuana in the system can mean that patients need to attend more than one appointment.
Marijuana can make some people more paranoid, which can increase anxiety levels when going to the dentist, and it also increases the heart rate. Dr Quartey added that using anaesthesia can be more dangerous when patients have marijuana in their systems due to elevated heart rates and changes in breathing. Dental patients also need to be able to make decisions about treatment with a clear head.
Another key issue for dentists is the risk of unhealthy eating habits. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, makes people hungrier and it can contribute to snacking and grazing. This can increase the risk of dental problems and weight gain.
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