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Tobacco smoking is the primary behavioral risk factor for periodontal disease, which can adversely affect general health. Researchers in New Zealand prospectively examined whether cannabis smoking, like tobacco smoking, is associated with destructive periodontal disease. Cannabis smoking behavior was reported in 903 people at ages 18, 21, 26, and 32, and exposure levels were categorized as high (>40 occasions yearly; 20% of cohort), some (1–40 occasions; 47%), or none (32%). Dental examinations were conducted at ages 26 and 32.
After controlling for tobacco smoking and use of dental services, the risk for severe periodontal disease at age 32 was significantly higher in the high-exposure group (relative risk, 3.1) and the some-exposure group …