Research Brief | Current Use of Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Cannabis Is Significantly Associated with Xerostomia

2Firsts, September 12, 2025 — The study, “Associations of Current Cigarette, E-Cigarette, and Cannabis Use with Xerostomia,” was published online in JDR Clinical & Translational Research (SAGE, 2025) by B.W. Chaffee (UCSF School of Dentistry). Using the nationally representative PATH Wave 7 sample (Jan 2022–Apr 2023), the study quantified links between product use and dry mouth, a common symptom affecting quality of life. Prior evidence tied smoking and cannabis to xerostomia; evidence for e-cigarettes has been limited. This study adds general-population data.

Key Findings

Sample & outcome: 29,721 adults; ~9.7% reported “frequently/always” dry mouth.

Past-30-day use (adjusted): cigarettes (AOR ≈ 1.52), e-cigarettes (≈ 1.46), cannabis (≈ 1.57) associated with higher xerostomia odds; pipes also showed an association (AOR ≈ 2.01), but small sample warrants caution.

Use frequency (dose–response): vs. no use in past year, daily use linked to higher odds (cigarettes ≈ 1.67; e-cigarettes ≈ 1.80; cannabis ≈ 2.15). Non-daily associations were weaker.

Combined use: compared with using none of the three in the past 30 days, using any one, any two, or all three increased odds stepwise; all three together were highest (AOR ≈ 3.80).

Consistency across groups: patterns were broadly similar by sex and age.

Data Highlights (AORs, multivariable-adjusted)

Past-30-day: cigarettes 1.52; e-cigarettes 1.46; cannabis 1.57.

Daily use: cigarettes ~1.67; e-cigarettes ~1.80; cannabis ~2.15.

Use of all three: ~3.80 (95% CI ~2.78–5.20).

Conclusion

Current use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis—especially daily or multi-product use—is associated with higher odds of xerostomia among adults. Findings can inform dental practice (counseling, cessation support) and policy discussions.

Study Limitations (as noted by the author)

Cross-sectional: cannot establish causality or temporal order.

Self-report: behaviors and symptoms were self-reported; xerostomia, however, correlates reasonably with measured salivary flow.

Medication data limited: only counts of medication classes, not specific drug types (e.g., anticholinergics).

Cannabis mode not distinguished: could not separate edible vs. smoked vs. vaped.

Small Ns for some products: e.g., pipes, nicotine pouches—estimates less precise.

Article Details

Title: Associations of Current Cigarette, E-Cigarette, and Cannabis Use with Xerostomia

Author: B.W. Chaffee (UCSF School of Dentistry)

Publication date: Online, September 2025

Journal: JDR Clinical & Translational Research (SAGE)

DOI: 10.1177/23800844251364158

Images referenced are from the paper.

Disclaimer:

1.This article is a summary created by 2Firsts based on a published scientific paper. Its purpose is to make complex research findings more accessible to non-specialist audiences—particularly industry professionals, policymakers, and the media—in order to foster deeper connections between science, regulation, and the NGP industry.

2.Unless otherwise stated, the methods, findings, and conclusions presented in this summary reflect the views of the original paper’s authors. 2Firsts does not endorse any specific position and provides this content solely for informational dissemination.

3.Due to the limitations of our editorial and scientific capacity, there may be inaccuracies or misinterpretations in our summary. We welcome reader feedback and strongly encourage those interested to consult the original paper for a more accurate and comprehensive understanding.

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