It’s difficult to enjoy your high when your throat feels like sandpaper and your saliva is MIA. That's cottonmouth for you! One of the most common side effects of cannabis, no matter how you consume it. Luckily, there are simple, science-backed ways to fight dry mouth and keep your sessions smooth and enjoyable.
What is Cottonmouth?
The medical term for cottonmouth is xerostomia (zero-stow-me-uh), also called hyposalivation. This condition happens when saliva production slows down. THC and other cannabinoids interact with your endocannabinoid system, and one effect is a temporary decrease in saliva flow.
While it's harmless, cottonmouth can feel uncomfortable, making it harder to taste terpenes, enjoy hits, or even snack on your munchies.
Here are five easy ways to relieve cottonmouth and stop it from killing your vibe:
1. Stay Hydrated (but be smart about it!)
Water is the ultimate cure for cottonmouth. Keep a bottle nearby during your session and sip slowly instead of chugging. Small sips give your salivary glands a better chance to restart. Drinking through a straw can help stimulate saliva production and encourage your to drink more throughout the day.
Other hydration tips:
- Try electrolyte drinks or herbal teas without caffeine.
- Avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee, caffeinated tea, soda, and alcohol; all of which make dry mouth worse.
2. Stimulate Saliva Production
When your salivary glands need a boost, chewing or sucking on something (pause) is an easy fix.
Quick Fixes:
- Sugar-free gum (especially with xylitol, which also supports dental health).
- Hard candies or lozenges to keep your mouth moist.
- Sour candies like Warheads, Toxic Waste, or Sour Patch Kids. Sour flavors naturally trigger more saliva.
- Saliva substitutes (available at most pharmacies) if dryness lingers beyond your high.
3. Manage Your Environment
Sometimes your surroundings can make cottonmouth worse. Dry air irritates your nose, throat, and mouth, so keeping your environment humid helps more than you'd think.
Tips for Moisture:
- Run a humidifier during your sessions or while you sleep.
- Take a steamy shower or inhale steam from hot water.
- Try to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth to retain moisture.
4. Watch What You Eat
Food can either make dry mouth better or worse. Dry , sticky snacks like crackers or peanut butter can intensify the cottonmouth struggle. Intead, aim for foods that are easy to chew and naturally hydrating.
Diet Tips:
- Choose water-rich fruits and veggies like oranges, cucumbers, or melons.
- Opt for a softer diet if your mouth feels especially dry.
- Avoid excess salt or sugar, which can worsen dehydration.
5. Try Lifestyle and Oral Care Tweaks
Sometimes cottonmouth calls for long-term adjustments. If it's something you deal with often, a few small changes can go a long way.
Other Helpful Tips:
- Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol, which dry out your mouth.
- If you smoke cigarettes, quitting may reduce cottonmouth and improve oral health overall.
- Regular dental checkups can help ensure your dry mouth isn't linked to another underlying issue.
Don't Let Cottonmouth Ruin Your High
Cottonmouth is annoying, but it's completely manageable with the right habits. Stay hydrated, keep saliva flowing, make some tweaks to your environment, and make smart choices with food and oral care. Keep a few of these tricks on hand, and your sessions will stay smooth and enjoyable.
