OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown that marijuana use is significantly associated with poor oral health or periodontal disease, but there are no studies describing dental care utilization among marijuana users. We examined the association between marijuana use and dental visit within the past year among adults in the United States.

METHODS: We utilized National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2011-2014, including 6,399 participants aged ≥21 years. The outcome variable was self-reported dental visit within the past year (yes/no). Weighted, multivariable logistic regression model estimated the association between marijuana use and dental visit within the past year while controlling for sociodemographic factors, and alcohol and tobacco use.

RESULTS: Approximately 60% reported ever using marijuana and 59% reported visiting the dentist within the past year. There was no difference was apparent in the odds of visiting the dentist within the past year between respondents who had ever used marijuana and those who never used marijuana. However, the odds of visiting the dentist within the past year was lower among males (aOR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.65-0.86) vs. females, respondents with some college (aOR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.57-0.84) and with ≤ high school diploma (aOR=0.63; 95% CI: 0.52-0.77) vs. college graduates or higher, those insured (aOR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.35-0.48) vs. insured, and current smokers (aOR=0.68; 95% CI: 0.57-0.83) vs. never smokers.

CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between marijuana use and likelihood of having a dental visit in the past year; however, males, lower educated individuals, uninsured, and current smokers were less likely to visit the dental visit within the past year. As the reported number of marijuana users continues to increase in the United States, this growing segment of the population should be encouraged to seek preventive care as needed.