Cannabinoids have various products that can be consumed in different ways. Although these products offer many benefits, they also have adverse effects on your health if consumed carelessly. The most common being cottonmouth.
This blog will focus on this health issue for today as well as discuss whether edible cannabinoid products can cause this adverse effect when overconsumed. Let’s get right in to it!

What Is Cottonmouth?

Cottonmouth, also referred as dry mouth or xerostomia, is a side effect in which your mouth is unable to produce any saliva through its salivary glands. This causes your mouth and tongue to feel really dry. 
Saliva production in the mouth is very important, and it doesn’t just keep your mouth moist. It can help to keep your mouth clean, and help it digest food. It can also keep your gums and teeth clean by maintaining a high pH. Another very important thing that saliva does is keep bacteria and infections away from your mouth. 

How Does It Occur?

Many people assume that cottonmouth occurs through continuous smoking, but this is a misconception. Yes, smoking can cause your mouth to feel dry but this kind of side effect is different from cottonmouth. 
Cottonmouth can occur from many reasons, such as medication, eating food, and other health conditions, but hemp and cannabinoids of hemp are the most common reasons for cottonmouth. This is because the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system are present in the salivary glands. So when you consume a cannabinoid and it binds with the cannabinoid receptors,  the cannabinoid slows down the production of the saliva from the salivary glands. 
Resulting in your mouth feeling dry. Now this happens because the CB1 receptors are in charge of modulating the amount of saliva that is produced, while the CB2 receptor are in charge of modulating the quality of saliva. 

What Are The Side Effects & Symptoms Of Cottonmouth?

If you have cottonmouth but aren’t too sure, there are certain side effects and symptoms that you can keep an eye out for. Here is a list of those side effects and symptoms:

• Sticky or dry feeling in your mouth 
• Difficulty in swallowing and talking
• Constant thirst
• Difficulty in tasting food
• Burning sensation in the mouth and on the tongue
• Stringy saliva
• Bad breath
• Dry and chapped lips 
• Mouth sores

Can Edibles Cause Cottonmouth?

As mentioned above, cannabinoids play a big role in making cottonmouth occur by binding with the receptors of the enodcannabinoid system. So if you’re someone who consumes cannabinoid edibles frequently or on a daily basis, especially edibles that contain THC, then there are high chances of you getting cottonmouth. 

How To Reduce Cottonmouth?

While drinking water as much as you can can help hydrate your mouth, it isn’t all that effective in keeping cottonmouth at bay or curing it. There are many effective ways that you can cure cottonmouth such as, brushing your teeth twice a day, using an alcohol free mouthwash that has been approved by your doctor or dentist, and flossing your teeth. 
You can use moisturizing mouth sprays that contain natural enzymes to help heal and moisten dry tissues in your mouth. Another way to decrease you chances of getting cottonmouth, is to avoid consuming edible cannabinoid products with THC, or at least reduce the amount of THC that you consume on a daily basis.
It’s also helpful to get a checkup from your dentist, doctor, or any medically trained professional and seek their advice.  

Health Risks Of Cottonmouth

Cottonmouth might not seem that serious at first but if you let it grow worse, then it can cause serious health concerns or risks for you in the future if it isn’t treated as soon as possible. 
According to research and studies conducted by the Department of Periodontology, at the Academic Centre of Dentisty in Amsterdam, people who consume cannabinoids orally have more chances of developing serious health issues such as:

• Periodontal Disease

This is a disease or infection that occurs in the gums of your mouth. It can cause your gums to swell up and bleed. Your breath will start to smell bad and you’ll also have difficulty in chewing food, you could even lose a tooth because of how weak your teeth will become. 

• Candida Albicans

Candida Albicans is a type of yeast infection that can occur in any part of your body including your mouth. Gashes can form on the gums as well as the roof of your mouth and tongue. You may also feel severe soreness in the throat that can cause trouble in talking or swallowing.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

• How Long Does It Take Cottonmouth To Go Away?

The time period can depend on the person and how severe the cottonmouth is. For some people cotton mouth could go away after a few days and for others it could stay for as long as a month. For example, if you have cottonmouth because of a specific medication, then your cottonmouth will go away quickly once you stop taking that medication. 

• What Foods Help With Cottonmouth?

If you have cottonmouth, and find it difficult to chew and swallow, then here are some foods that will be easy to chew and swallow for you:

• Boiled chicken and fish 
• Canned fruits 
• Soft cooked vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta or noodles

• Is It Common To Have Dry Mouth After Consuming Edibles?

Dry mouth is a common symptom, among people who consume edibles.

• Can CBD Cause Cottonmouth?

 CBD may be a cannabinoid, but there are very low chances of you getting cottonmouth from consuming its products, as compared to THC products. 

• What Drinks Help With Cottonmouth?

Cottonmouth can also cause irritation in the throat, so having drinks other than water is the best way to soote that irritation. Such as:

• Sugar-free drinks
• Reduced-sugar sports drinks
• Fresh herbal lemon tea
• Club soda

Takeaway – Can Edibles Give You Cottonmouth?

Most edible cannabinoid products have high chances of causing cottonmouth, but if you consume once or twice a week and not frequently, you can reduce those chances. If you somehow do get cottonmouth then its important to get it treated before its too late.