The common side effect of cannabis use is dry mouth, which is an arid, sticky, and occasionally funky feeling in the mouth. Although cannabis users don't always experience cottonmouth, many are curious as to why and how to prevent it. It is always advisable to speak with a medical marijuana doctor before beginning a medicinal marijuana regimen. The physician will determine whether medical marijuana is beneficial for you and will issue you a medical marijuana card that entitles you to use marijuana legally in your state.
Are you trying to get legal access to marijuana? The good news is that you can now apply for your medical card from the comfort of your home by simply completing a short form on our website.
What Causes Cotton Mouth from Cannabis?
Reduced salivation and chronic dry mouth are the hallmarks of xerostomia, or dry mouth. Depending on what is causing it, dry mouth can be a short-term or long-term problem.
Within the cannabis community, cotton mouth is a common term used to describe dry mouth. The most common cannabinoid in cannabis, THC, has been found to be the compound responsible for the effect. The body's CB1 receptors are bound by THC, which interferes with their capacity to control salvation as usual. It has been noted that THC can cause dry mouth by obstructing salivary flow to the mouth.
A dry mouth brought on by cannabis or other substances can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe discomfort. Symptoms could include both immediate and long-term consequences, like:
Sticky feeling in the mouth
Chronic mouth dryness (unable to improve the situation with most beverages)
Difficulty chewing
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty tasting
Difficulty speaking
Burning mouth sensation
Mouth itch
Throat dryness
Cracked lips
Dry, cracked lips
Mouth sores
Recurrent infections of the mouth or throat
Bad breath
These symptoms—especially the more persistent ones—highlight the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, particularly when using cannabis or experiencing dry mouth.
Cotton mouth has a rather lengthy list of potential symptoms, but its four main symptoms are as follows:
Problems with Oral Health: Because saliva naturally provides protection, it is essential for maintaining oral health. A longer period of time and chronic dry mouth can increase the risk of oral infections, gum disease, and tooth decay.
Why Does Cannabis Cause Cotton Mouth?
Extensive research indicates that THC may contribute to the different symptoms associated with dry mouth.
Studies reveal that the primary cause of cotton mouth following cannabis use is THC's impact on the body's CB1 receptors. Salivation regulation is changed when THC binds to CB1 receptors, which results in a reduction or cessation of salivation.
Furthermore, the axons of cholinergic neurons that supply the submandibular gland express CB1 receptors. Because THC inhibits acetylene release, less saliva is produced at rest.
Whether consuming THC through smoking, vaping, edibles, or even gum with THC, users are most at risk for developing dry mouth. Unlike THC, CBD does not prevent the production of saliva, but it can affect how long a user experiences dry mouth. According to research, products with higher THC content and lower CBD content are more likely to cause cottonmouth effects.
Research indicates that other aspects of cannabis use could contribute to dry mouth. Among them are:
Is cotton mouth from THC harmful?
Generally speaking, THC-induced dry mouth is more uncomfortable than dangerous. On the other hand, lengthy or persistent episodes of xerostomia may result in oral health problems like gum disease, cavities, and mouth infections.
If dry mouth becomes a regular problem or lasts longer than a few hours, people should consult a doctor. It is impossible to overstate the significance of visiting a doctor because saliva plays a critical role in counteracting the acids that are produced by bacteria in the mouth. Saliva assists in removing these impurities as well as food particles, enabling the mouth to combat agents that cause illness.
Although some people have long held the belief that THC causes dehydration, current laboratory analysis refutes this theory. Studies show that THC, not dehydration, is the reason for decreased salivary flow and the subsequent dry mouth feeling. Cannabis users should still give staying hydrated a lot of thought, though.
Tips for Preventing Cotton Mouth
Using one or more of the following strategies can help anyone with dry mouth symptoms, whether they are brought on by cannabis or not:
Consuming 8 to 12 glasses of water (64–96 ounces, or 2-3 liters) every day.
During meals, sipping water or a sugar-free beverage can help with swallowing and chewing.
Limit your consumption of caffeine-containing beverages, such as tea, coffee, and some sodas.
To increase saliva production, chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies. The best kinds of candies could be sour, citrusy, cinnamon-flavored, or mint-flavored.
Seek out xylitol-containing sugarless options as they may aid in preventing cavities.
Steer clear of salty or spicy foods, as they can exacerbate some symptoms of dry mouth by burning your mouth.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco, two things that are known to cause dry mouth.
To improve the moisture content of the air at night, use a humidifier.
Treating Cotton Mouth
Finding the source is necessary for treating dry mouth. Following diagnosis, a medical professional can suggest suitable courses of action. For instance, a doctor might have to suggest altering the medication or dosage. It might be necessary in some circumstances to use an artificial saliva substitute.
Many of the suggestions, such as drinking enough water or chewing sugar-free gum, can lessen or even completely cure dry mouth in less severe situations.
Drinking water infused with CBD is another beneficial cannabis-based option that fulfills two needs: it hydrates you and has the potential health benefits of CBD. Another possible remedy for dry mouth is Flintts Mints, a saliva-producing mint derived from the spilanthes flower found in the Amazon.
How Long Does THC Stay in Your Saliva Glands?
THC has a significant impact on salivary production. The effects of cotton mouth, or dry mouth, are brought on by the cannabinoid's binding to the nervous system and the body's CB1 receptors. Saliva production is stimulated by neurotransmitters released by THC receptors, which results in decreased or absent saliva production.
How long does THC influence salivary flow, though?
The duration of salivary production disruption caused by a cannabis-induced dry mouth is contingent upon multiple factors, such as:
THC dose consumed
Frequency of use
Individual metabolism
To better understand how to determine the duration of the effects, more research is needed. Currently, though, the general consensus is that the effects should last for several hours, or however long THC is still active in the system.
According to one study, THC concentrations could be found in saliva up to six hours after ingestion. Researchers found that in regular users, THC was detectable for a longer amount of time. These results imply that THC may be detected in saliva long after its initial effects have subsided.
Speaking with a medical marijuana doctor San Jose is essential if you're considering adding marijuana to your treatment plan. They can provide you with advice on safe marijuana usage practices that will benefit your health and grant you legal access to marijuana in your state.
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