Understanding Cottonmouth And How To Treat It

Cottonmouth is a very common side effect of smoking weed. As people order cannabis online, they quickly learn of dry mouth, that dreaded feeling of a mouth drier than the desert. Every weed user is familiar with the sensation, and it is why most carry water, gum, or anything really, so long it gets one salivating again. Cottonmouth is nothing to fear, but can one stave it off? Avoid it altogether? 

Just What is Cottonmouth?

Cottonmouth, or dry mouth, more formally xerostomia, refers to the throat drying so typical after cannabis use. Xerostomia effectively slows saliva production. Stops it even. This leaves you with little to no natural lubricant. In severe cases, swallowing and talking becomes difficult. While xerostomia is common with weed use, it also happens as we age, consume certain medications, or dehydrate. 

As such, xerostomia is a symptom. A sensation. It is not a medical condition. What it is, though, is very temporary. Some people with bad xerostomia might cough and gag, and might even worry if their salivary glands are still working. Most smokers know cottonmouth. Some are better than others. Despite its somewhat humorous nature, it can get severe for many. 

Unquenchable, insatiable thirst, an obviously and noticeably dry mouth, dry throat, dry tongue, stuck lips; cottonmouth is no laughing matter. Some cannot chew, swallow, or even speak. Some suffer cracked lips. Worse still, dry mouth is an invitation for bacteria to proliferate. Saliva is a natural cleanser. Without it, plaque builds up. Dry mouth can linger a while, but it need not have to. 

If you are going to get dry mouth, you will usually get it during the peak effects of your buzz. It can even last as long, up to several hours, depending how stoned you are. How you use weed matters too. Smokers will usually get it within the hour. If you eat it, such as with edibles, then you might not feel cottonmouth for a while. However, when you do, it will typically last longer. Much longer. 

Just What Causes Cottonmouth?

Many think that smoking weed dries the mouth and throat out. That the smoke dries mucus membranes. However, this cannot be the cause, even if it does contribute greatly. This is because cottonmouth happens when you use weed in other ways too. Try edibles, tinctures, and oils, it matters not: Dry mouth is a side effect of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Not just how you use it. 

THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, specifically activates the exact same cannabinoid receptors responsible for decreasing the production of saliva. The U.S. National Library of Medicine puts forth THC as a potential culprit, because of its relationship with CB1 receptors. These are one of two endocannabinoid receptors that interact with THC. 

THC works by binding with CB1 receptors located throughout the human body. This is how it is able to make you feel a certain way, specifically stoned, relaxed, euphoric, and free of pain, among others. Since salivary glands contain an abundance of CB1 receptors, it makes sense that THC would have such a dramatic effect on the production of saliva. Fortunately, one does develop some tolerance for it. 

Many think that cottonmouth is dose-dependent. The more THC you consume, the drier your mouth will be. As the theory goes. While THC blisses the brain out, it also relaxes salivary glands to the point of little to no lubrication. THC dries other areas of the body out too. The U.S. National Library of Medicine shows how THC dries the eyes and inhibits your ability to tear up. 

Just How Harmful is Cottonmouth?

There is no danger in dry mouth. Your only concern is unpleasantness. It is not nice. However, cottonmouth will never harm you. You might need to clear your throat to prevent gagging and coughing, and you might need to pay extra attention to your dental health. A dry mouth can trigger oral issues. Saliva is important for protecting against bacteria. 

Without saliva, especially over time, plaque builds up and causes gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections, such as halitosis, or bad breath, and candidiasis. Some studies show a notable increase in tooth decay among those with regular dry mouth. This suggests clearly that the drier the mouth, the higher the risk of developing problems with oral health. 

Just How Does One Prevent or Treat Cottonmouth? 

To avoid dry mouth completely, one would have to quit weed. Since few to nobody wants to do this, there are effective and helpful ways to manage it. Firstly, you could be mindful of how much you use. The more THC, the drier the mouth, so do not overdo it if you want to prevent such altogether. Cannabidiol, or CBD, can help too. Studies prove CBD is able to counteract the effects of THC. 

However, if you can learn to accept it, cottonmouth is easy enough to live with. You can drink plenty of fluids to help keep dryness at bay. If water, that will offer other health benefits too. You can stimulate saliva in other ways too. Unsweetened beverages, gum, and sugar-free candy; these all aid in salivation. What is more, honey and herbal tea, amongst others, can fast fix a sensitive, sore throat. 

Order Cannabis Online

It is advisable to avoid substances that dehydrate the body when using cannabis. They only help to worsen cottonmouth, like caffeine, sugar, and alcohol products. The effects of weed are too nice for most to worry overly much about dry mouth, though. It is temporary, manageable, and easy to forget about if the weed is strong enough. Search the best “cannabis dispensary near me” to order now.