New Study Links Cannabis to Premature Tooth Loss
A new study has linked prolonged cannabis use to premature tooth loss.
The research, which was carried out by a team in Arizona, found that people who smoked marijuana over a prolonged period of time had a higher risk of gum disease. More than 1,000 people were involved in the study, which suggested that smoking the substance for up to 20 years could cause tooth loss by the age of 30.
Gum disease is most commonly identified in middle-aged people and is usually linked to poor oral hygiene. This study found that smoking marijuana increases the chances of developing gum disease earlier in life, contributing to premature tooth loss.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University found that cannabis was associated with poor oral health. The team analysed data from people born in New Zealand between 1972 and 1973. They performed health checks on the participants, who were aged up to 38. More than 50 percent were men.
Dr Madeline Meier said the findings of the study have significant implications. This particular project was commissioned to determine the relationship between recreational cannabis use and health problems in later life. The study suggests that while prolonged cannabis use may not be associated with specific systematic illnesses, it did increase the risk of periodontal disease, the advanced form of gum disease. Among this group of participants, a quarter had established gum disease.
Dr Meier also stressed that it was important to consider the finding alongside other studies concerned with the health implications of cannabis use. Previous projects have linked marijuana use to respiratory illnesses, mental health conditions, cancer and heart attacks.
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