LONG TERM POT SMOKERS SHOW SIGNS OF INCREASED GUM DISEASE

A New Zealand study of 1,000 people found that long term pot smokers were at increased risk of developing gum disease (periodontitis).

A dozen health factors were taken into account including levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and lung function, all of which showed no increase deterioration from those who did not use the drug. The only factor difference was the presence of gum disease.

This decline in health, using statistical analysis, ruled out the effect of tobacco and alcohol use plus other lifestyle effects known to impact on oral health.

The study leader said that dental practitioners should warn patients that long term use may lead to tooth loss.

It is not known why this should be?