A new survey found that more than half of dentists (52%) confirmed that their patients show up for check-ups while high on cannabis or another drug. After these results the American Dental Association (ADA) advise patients to renounce of marijuana before dental appointments.

“Talking about medical histories, more and more patients tell me that they use it marijuana regularly because it’s legal now,” says ADA spokesman Dr. Tricia Quarterey, Dentist in New York. “Unfortunately, sometimes having marijuana in your system means you need an extra visit.”

Why it’s not advisable to get high at the dentist

The ADA determined that she was under the influence of marijuana going to the dentist can limit the care they provide. The survey found that 56% of dentists agreed that treatment was limited to patients with stoned disease.

As many as 46% of dentists surveyed indicated that they had to increase anesthesia to treat patients who had used cannabis as it and anesthesia affect our central nervous system.

These results were published earlier this year in two online surveys – one of 557 dentists and a second nationwide representative survey of 1,006 consumers.

“Marijuana can lead to increased anxiety, paranoia, and hyperactivity, which could make visiting more stressful. It can also increase heart rate and has undesirable respiratory side effects, increasing the risk of using local anesthetics for pain control,” Quartey said. “Furthermore, the best treatment options are always those that dentist and patient choose together. A clear head is essential for this.”

Marijuana & Oral Health

Previous studies confirmed that regular cannabis users have significantly more tooth decay than non-users. Why?

Interestingly, but somewhat to be expected, cannabis is not the direct cause of tooth decay, but rather an indirect one.

“The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, makes you hungry, and people don’t always make healthy choices under its…