As cannabis gains increasing acceptance and is more frequently utilized for treating a range of physical and mental health issues, there is a parallel development in the field of drug testing. New methodologies are being employed to detect marijuana usage across various sectors, including employment.
The mouth swab drug test is a newer method used regularly because it is inexpensive, non-invasive, and can be done quickly in an office or healthcare setting. Depending on the type of test, results are available in just a few minutes.
If you use cannabis or other drugs in any capacity, you may be curious about ways you can pass a mouth swab drug test. Perhaps you're anticipating a job interview where a drug test might be a prerequisite for the offer, or you're about to join a sports team that conducts random drug screenings.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to prepare for a saliva drug test, how to detox, and the best products on the market to ensure you test positive for a clear system. This way, you won’t have to scramble or stress about what to do for an upcoming test.
How does a mouth swab drug test work?
A cannabis swab drug test, also known as an oral fluid drug test, helps organizations determine how recently an individual has been using cannabis and other drugs.
To administer the mouth swab test, a lab tech or healthcare professional will swab the inside of the cheek and mouth with a long Q-tip. The saliva sample is then analyzed for traces of THC or other chemical compounds found in drugs.
How accurate are oral fluid drug tests?
Oral fluid tests can yield accurate results if the test is done correctly. Some have a specificity as high as 86 percent for some drugs. Modern laboratories may use more advanced techniques to test for THC, meaning these oral drug tests are more sensitive and can detect the compounds more effectively.
Saliva drug testing isn’t perfect, and false positive results are not uncommon. Because many of these methods are designed to yield quick results, errors can be made through a lack of precision.
The saliva test has many similarities and conveniences to the urine drug test. It’s non-invasive, inexpensive, and detects the use of various substances within a few days. Many workplaces use these two drug testing methods more than others.
How Long Drugs Are Detectable in Saliva
As you may know, different drugs and substances remain in the system longer than others. This also is true for urine, saliva, blood, and hair. This table shows how long various substances are detectable in saliva.
| Substance/ Drug |
Duration of Detectability in Saliva |
| Cannabis/marijuana |
24 hours |
| Codeine |
4 days |
| Fentanyl |
4 days |
| Heroin |
5 hours |
| Hydrocodone |
12 to 36 hours |
| Methadone |
2 days |
| Morphine |
4 days |
| Oxycodone |
2 days |
Home Remedies to Pass an Oral Fluid Test
Before you select a detox method, try some of the tried and true home remedies that people swear by. Here are some tips and remedies to keep in mind as you prepare.
Avoid Drugs Before the Test
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning! If you know the date of your drug test, you should avoid using cannabis or any other substance beforehand. This is a foolproof way to get the test results you want, especially if your test is outside the window of detectability we listed in the table above.
Properly Hydrate
Proper hydration is great for flushing toxins and can dilute the THC metabolites in your saliva and eliminate the compounds faster.
Take Care of Your Teeth
Effective oral hygiene can also help pass a saliva drug test. Since THC metabolites can linger in your mouth, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day. Floss and use mouthwash regularly (try our Toxin Rid Mouthwash before a test to remove lingering toxins!) to ensure your mouth is clean and residual THC is flushed.
| Expert Tip: Use caution when drinking more water than usual, as this can lead to a diluted test, requiring you to test again and causing potential suspicion. |
Detoxing for Mouth Swab Drug Tests
Detoxing for mouth swab tests is the most effective way to get the desired results. Here are a few of the best products you can use to detox for a mouth swab drug test.
10-Day Toxin Rid Detox Cleansing Kit
Testclear’s 10-day detox cleansing kit contains 150 Toxin Rid pills (15 tablets daily for 10 days), one ounce of a dietary fiber supplement (optional) to take the day of the drug test, and one fluid ounce of our detox drink.
This detox is designed for heavy toxin exposure, targeting the fat cells in the body to expel any toxins lingering in your system. Because of this, exercise is not recommended while on the detox, particularly activities that cause severe sweating like running, biking, boxing, weightlifting, dance, aerobics, and more.
While using the Toxin Rid detox, it’s best to take it easy and let the formula do its job of flushing the toxins from your body.
| Myth Busted: Detox advises against intense exercise because “sweating it out” can actually counteract the cleanse. |
1-Day Toxin Rid Detox Cleansing Kit
If you’re short on time, the 1-day detox cleansing kit is another effective option. This is a popular choice for those who vape or eat edibles because the THC concentration is much higher in these forms, making it much easier to detect on a drug test.
Testclear’s 1-Day Detox
The 1-day Toxin Rid detox contains pre-rid tablets, dietary fiber supplements, and a liquid detox, similar to the 10-day cleanse. The main difference between the two is the 1-day cleanse is ideal for lighter users, not moderate or heavy users.
Detox Mouthwash
Testclear’s Toxin Rid Rescue Wash Mouthwash is a specially formulated mouthwash product designed to be used right before the drug test. The bottle is small and discrete, so you can easily bring it into your testing location without anyone noticing.
Toxin Rid Rescue Wash Mouthwash
| How To Use: A few minutes before your mouth swab test, sip ⅓ of the mouthwash bottle and hold the liquid in your mouth for three minutes. Spit it out, and repeat twice until the bottle is empty. |
FAQ: Mouth Swab Tests
What are typical use cases for a mouth swab drug test?
The scenarios where you may be required to take a mouth swab drug test include pre-employment purposes (before a company offers you a job), a random drug screening in your workplace, and return-to-duty tests.
Many other reasons exist, but these are the most common for mouth swab drug tests.
What drugs can be detected using a mouth swab test?
The mouth swab test can detect the following drugs:
- Cannabis
- Opiates
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Crystal meth
- PCP
- Steroids
- GHB
- Rohypnol (roofies)
- Benzodiazepines
How long does THC stay in saliva?
Depending on how much you consume and how often you use it, THC can stay in saliva for up to 24 hours. It’s detectable in the saliva between 6 and 12 hours after use.
What are home remedies or methods to try to pass a drug test?
Aside from the strategies we listed above, some individuals swear by Listerine mouthwash, swishing with hydrogen peroxide (very carefully as this is dangerous if swallowed), and combining vinegar and water for a non-toxic mouthwash.
Pass Your Next Saliva Drug Test with Testclear
Don’t risk your dream job or personal opportunities by failing to prepare for a drug test. There are many steps you can take to get the results you need.
Understanding how to pass a mouth swab drug test can significantly reduce your stress about upcoming drug screenings, even if you've recently used cannabis or other substances.
Our products come with a manufacturer's guarantee to deliver the outcomes you require, backed by a money-back promise. Opting for either the 1-day or 10-day cleanse assures you that toxins from marijuana and other drugs are being effectively eliminated from your body.
Interested in our 10-day detox? Learn more about it here. Testclear is committed to providing safe, reliable drug testing kits and products to give our customers peace of mind.