Cannabis (CBD) consumption is currently legal for medicinal purposes widely in the UK, provided it has been EU-approved.  Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in marijuana that does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in the cannabis plant that produces a certain high. Anecdotally, prescription cannabidiol oil has been identified by numerous researches to be an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, diabetes, and dental anxiety. This claim has been backed by the Harvard Medical School that reiterates its health benefits.

Currently, the only CBD (derived from an industrial hemp strain) that has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a prescription cannabidiol oral solution called Epidyolex. Although CBD usage has been seeing a persistently rise of users, it cannot be disregarded that cannabis or CBD may be responsible for one of the most common and potentially deteriorative oral problems, dry mouth.

Is CBD safe to use?

The use of CBD oil is typically advocated by the pharmaceuticals as a health supplement. The NCBI published a review paper on the safety and side effects of cannabidiol that demonstrates that controlled CBD administration is safe and non-toxic in humans and animals. It also does not induce changes in food intake nor does it affect physiological parameters like heart rate, body temperature, or blood pressure. High doses up to 1,600 mg/day of CBD has been reportedly well-tolerated in humans.

Furthermore, CBD is generally not habit-forming. According to a report by the World Health Organization, “CBD appears to have little effect on conditioned place preference or intracranial self-stimulation… [It] exhibits no effect indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”

Does CBD cause dry mouth?

CBD has been condemned by many to be a prime culprit of dry mouth. A common complaint among cannabis users is the unpleasant feeling of dry or sticky mouth, often referred to as cottonmouth or “the pasties” that does not go away. Cottonmouth (also known as dry mouth or clinically called xerostomia) is usually not a major issue when you limit the use of cannabis. However, the intensity of oral health problems may significantly rise with the increased intake of cannabis.

Some of the commonly occurring symptoms of cottonmouth are:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Persistent thirst
• Hoarseness of voice and sore throat
• Inflamed, red tongue
• Cracked lips
• Tingling or burning sensation in the mouth
• Red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums (gingivitis)
• Sores at the corners of the mouth
• Mouth ulcers and canker sores

The science behind CBD-induced dry mouth

Originally dry mouth associated with CBD consumption was attributed to the harsh smoke irrigating the permeable oral membranes to cause irritation and decreased salivary flow, but upon rigorous studies, it has been understood that the natural response of the salivary glands to CBD components factors in much of the cause for dry mouth. Cannabinoids, the active components in cannabis, interacts with the human Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a complex biological network of receptors and neurotransmitters distributed all over the body. The ECS regulates different cognitive and physiological processes in the body.

Our submandibular salivary glands (located under the jaw bone) are responsible for 70% of healthy saliva production in the mouth. These glands contain cannabinoid receptors to which cannabinoids begin to bind when you imbibe cannabis or CBD. This prevents your ECS from communicating to your parasympathetic nervous system to institute active saliva production. This causes poor saliva production in the mouth with the use of CBD.

Remedies of dry mouth

Cannabis frequenters may be used to feeling a little parched when smoking or doing edibles. However, proper caution must be taken to de-escalate this seemingly minute dental issue before it proliferates into something critical.

American Marijuana published an article directing CBD users to follow these remedies for cottonmouth:

• Sip water, ideally through a straw to keep yourself hydrated.
• Chew  St Andrew's Trust xylitol infused dry mouth chewing gum to stimulate saliva production.
• Chew on dry fruits, citrus fruits, or beef jerky to increase saliva production.
• Use lozenges and toothpaste that promote saliva production. Try St Andrew’s Trust Dry Mouth Lozenges or toothpaste to get rid of your dry mouth.
• Suck on a lollipop, take a cough drop, or some hard candy.
• Try demulcent cough drops that coat the mucous membranes with a moist film to prevent the feeling of dry mouth.
• Drink herbal teas to rid yourself of a sore or irritated throat.

Avoid these foods if you have dry mouth

• Black and green teas (anything containing caffeine) can dry your mouth further
• Salty crackers and snacks may worsen cottonmouth
• Alcohol causes dehydration, further drying out the mouth
• Tobacco products can lead to lowered saliva production

The takeaway

In the wake of the booming cannabis market, many experts advise CBD users to take stringent actions against dry mouth caused by CBD to mitigate the condition. Be wary that today’s minor inconveniences may become tomorrow’s major headaches if you choose to do nothing. The American Dental Association also encourages all CBD consumers to visit the dentist regularly and maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with St Andrew's Trust dry  mouth ingredients and fluoride enriched toothpaste.