PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Health
Medicines and Drugs
Recreational Drugs
Drug Testing
How to Pass a Mouth Swab Test Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Passing the Test with No Prep Time 2 Preparing in Advance Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Bailey Cho
Last Updated: December 8, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Bailey Cho is an Editing Fellow at wikiHow, based in Dallas, TX. She has over 2 years of editorial experience, with work published in student journals and lifestyle publications. Bailey graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Advertising and a Minor in Business. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,845,233 times. Learn more...
Many employers administer oral swab tests to check for drug use among their employees. Mouth swab tests are much easier to pass than a urine or blood test, since they usually can't detect drug use for more than a couple of days. However, the technology is recent and always changing, so it’s best to take precautions. Most online advice is ineffective or even harmful, but there are a few steps you can take to increase your odds. In reality, though, the only effective way to make sure you’ll pass a swab test is to abstain from drugs for at least 48 hours beforehand.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Passing the Test with No Prep Time
Download Article
1 Suck citric acid candies to make your saliva more acidic. Research shows that citric acid candy can stimulate oral fluid (saliva) production and change the pH and concentration of drugs in your saliva.[1]XResearch source If you only have 5-10 minutes before a mandatory mouth swab test, consider popping 2 or 3 sour candies in your mouth. Suck them (rather than chewing) to get as much citric acid out of the candies as possible.
In fact, one study shows that acidic stimulation lowers concentrations of codeine by about 50%.[2]X Trustworthy Source Science DirectOnline archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
2 Chew a couple of pieces of gum to increase your saliva production. Chewing on a piece of gum stimulates saliva production, which may dilute the concentration of drugs in your saliva. According to research, chewing gum can also change the pH and concentration of drugs in your saliva, potentially making the mouth swab test less effective.[3]XResearch source If you have a choice between different flavors, opt for a cinnamon or strong citrus gum.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to carry a pack of gum with you to work every day if you’re concerned about surprise swab tests.
Advertisement
3 Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide 5 minutes before the test. Some believe that swishing with hydrogen peroxide can clean their saliva and beat a mouth swab test.[4]XResearch source There is no scientific guarantee of success, but hydrogen peroxide may interfere with the test and decrease the chances of a positive reading. Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide for 30 seconds right before your test, then spit it out into the sink. Be careful not to swallow any peroxide, since it can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal effects.[5]XResearch source
Avoid using alcohol-based mouthwashes, as they can lead to a false positive result on a drug test.[6]XResearch source
Tip: If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide, try rinsing with a mouthwash.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Preparing in Advance
Download Article
1 Avoid taking any drugs for 48 hours before the test. Most mouth swab tests can only detect drugs ingested 5-48 hours beforehand.[7]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Most oral swab tests are administered to check for marijuana use, as the THC compounds in marijuana are easily detectable in saliva. To be on the safe side, lay off whatever other drugs you may be using for 48 hours. Spending at least 48 hours drug-free is recommended to be on the safe side, especially if you are a heavy user.
For frequent or chronic marijuana use, THC can be detected in oral fluid for up to 8 days.[8]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Avoid taking any cough suppressant medication containing codeine 72 hours beforehand, as it can show up on a drug test.[9]XResearch source
2 Sip water throughout the day to increase saliva production. Some believe that drinking a lot of water can help dilute drug metabolites in the saliva.[10]XResearch source While there isn’t scientific evidence that supports this method, being hydrated is important for a successful saliva test. Stay hydrated by sipping 8 ounces of water every hour leading up to your test time, and avoid coffee, tea, soda, or Gatorade one hour before your test.[11]XResearch source
Chemicals get into your saliva from your bloodstream, which can't be “flushed out” the same way. Still, there’s no harm in upping your hydration and saliva output for 48–72 hours before the test.
3 Brush your teeth twice daily to remove lingering saliva. This isn’t a very effective or scientifically-backed method, but it might slightly decrease the amount of THC (or chemicals from other drugs) lingering in your mouth.[12]XResearch source Use a new toothbrush and a reputable brand of toothpaste, and scrub your teeth for at least 2 minutes after breakfast and dinner. Make sure to scrub your tongue and cheeks, too. Rinse and spit at the end.
Brushing your teeth thoroughly and consistently won’t work any miracles, but it can help remove particles stuck between your teeth and along the gumline.
4 Gargle every 15 minutes for 4–5 hours before the test. This isn’t a reliable way to pass a mouth swab test, but some believe it can help. Step into the bathroom, take a big swig of mouthwash, and gargle it for 20–30 seconds. Repeat this every quarter hour before your swab test. Rinsing with mouthwash may temporarily dilute the concentration of THC (or other drug chemicals) in your saliva, which can make the drugs slightly harder to detect.[13]X Trustworthy Source Science DirectOnline archive of peer-reviewed research on scientific, technical and medical topics Go to source
Gargling may remove some drug residue from your mouth, but it doesn’t clear the drug from your saliva glands and tissues.[14]XResearch source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Eating poppy seeds can make you test positive for heroin, but usually only for about an hour.[15]XResearch source Most drug testers now follow updated guidelines that avoid longer periods of false positives from poppy seeds. However, this also makes them less likely to accept the “poppy seed defense.” Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Dehydration or dry mouth can reduce saliva volume, potentially decreasing the sensitivity of the mouth swab test.[16]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
Being in the same room as marijuana smoke is unlikely to affect your saliva for longer than 30–45 minutes.[17]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
If a test administrator notices you are trying to “cheat” or tamper with your mouth swab test, they can report a refusal to test.[19]XResearch source This is often equivalent to an automatic failure. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Drinking or rinsing your mouth with cleaning products can seriously injure or kill you. Do not trust any advice that tells you to do so! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toPass a Drug Test With Home RemediesHow toPass a Drug Test on Short NoticeHow toPrepare for Drug TestingHow toPass a Drug Test for a JobHow toPass a Hair Follicle Drug TestHow toGet Pot Out of Your SystemHow toPass a Drug TestHow toClean Xanax Out of Your SystemHow to Pass a Urine Analysis TestHow toReduce Mouth AcidityHow to Get Drugs Out of Your SystemHow to Pass a Nicotine Test (Whether You Vape or Smoke)How to Pass a Nicotine Test: For Surgery, Employment, or CessationHow to Get Rid of Dry Mouth Naturally Advertisement
Co-authored by: Bailey Cho wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Bailey Cho is an Editing Fellow at wikiHow, based in Dallas, TX. She has over 2 years of editorial experience, with work published in student journals and lifestyle publications. Bailey graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Advertising and a Minor in Business. This article has been viewed 1,845,233 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 12Updated: December 8, 2025 Views: 1,845,233 Categories: Drug Testing
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Read More...
Article SummaryX
If you have to pass a mouth swab drug test and you don’t have time to detox first, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of passing. Try sucking on 2 or 3 sour candies 5 to 10 minutes before you have to take the test, since high levels of sugar and acid in your saliva can make drugs harder to detect. Chewing on citrus or cinnamon gum can help for the same reasons, plus it will stimulate your mouth to produce more saliva, which may dilute any traces of drugs. You can also make it harder for the test to detect drugs by swishing some hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spitting it out. Don’t use an alcohol-based mouthwash, though, since this could create a false positive result for alcohol abuse. For tips on how to prepare for a mouth swab test in advance, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Portuguese Arabic Indonesian Spanish Hindi French Dutch Russian Czech Japanese Italian
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,845,233 times.
Reader Success Stories
Isaac Mino
Mar 1, 2021
"I have taken several mouth tests and smoke daily. The first test I put water in my mouth and soaked up as much as I could into test. I passed a surprise test also. I took another and passed with same thing a lot of water in mouth. "..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Bailey Cho wikiHow Staff Writer Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12Updated: December 8, 2025 Views: 1,845,233
Isaac Mino
Mar 1, 2021
"I have taken several mouth tests and smoke daily. The first test I put water in my mouth and soaked up as much as I could into test. I passed a surprise test also. I took another and passed with same thing a lot of water in mouth. "..." more
Brian Col
Nov 10, 2022
"Today is the day I will let you guys know how it went. But this is definitely the most intelligent site I've found so far!"..." more
Cam
Jan 6, 2023
"Yes, very informative, especially when dealing with DOT. Never know how they test..."
Tracie Lynn
Sep 23, 2018
"It helped me out a lot with things I didn't know and I passed my test!"
Haley Stevenson
Jan 2, 2017
"I love this, it's such a big help. Wish I had wikiHow a long time ago." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
Do I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhen Will I Die QuizTake QuizAm I Sweet or Salty QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizCognitive TestTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toPass a Drug Test With Home RemediesHow toPass a Drug Test on Short NoticeHow toPrepare for Drug TestingHow toPass a Drug Test for a Job
Featured Articles
How toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog Quiz
Featured Articles
21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More
Featured Articles
115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last MinuteHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality Test
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
How toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Quizzes & Games
Impossible English TestTake QuizCan You Pass Our Lie Detector Test?Take QuizWhat Dirty Soda Am I QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizHow Long Will I Live QuizTake QuizIQ TestTake Quiz
Categories
Health
Medicines and Drugs
Recreational Drugs
Drug Testing
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Passing the Test with No Prep Time 2 Preparing in Advance Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Bailey Cho 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Bailey Cho wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Bailey Cho is an Editing Fellow at wikiHow, based in Dallas, TX. She has over 2 years of editorial experience, with work published in student journals and lifestyle publications. Bailey graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Advertising and a Minor in Business. This article has been viewed 1,845,233 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 12 Updated: December 8, 2025 Views: 1,845,233 Categories: Drug Testing 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
583 
1 Suck citric acid candies to make your saliva more acidic. Research shows that citric acid candy can stimulate oral fluid (saliva) production and change the pH and concentration of drugs in your saliva.[1] If you only have 5-10 minutes before a mandatory mouth swab test, consider popping 2 or 3 sour candies in your mouth. Suck them (rather than chewing) to get as much citric acid out of the candies as possible. 
2 Chew a couple of pieces of gum to increase your saliva production. Chewing on a piece of gum stimulates saliva production, which may dilute the concentration of drugs in your saliva. According to research, chewing gum can also change the pH and concentration of drugs in your saliva, potentially making the mouth swab test less effective.[3] If you have a choice between different flavors, opt for a cinnamon or strong citrus gum. 
3 Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide 5 minutes before the test. Some believe that swishing with hydrogen peroxide can clean their saliva and beat a mouth swab test.[4] There is no scientific guarantee of success, but hydrogen peroxide may interfere with the test and decrease the chances of a positive reading. Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide for 30 seconds right before your test, then spit it out into the sink. Be careful not to swallow any peroxide, since it can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal effects.[5] 
1 Avoid taking any drugs for 48 hours before the test. Most mouth swab tests can only detect drugs ingested 5-48 hours beforehand.[7] Most oral swab tests are administered to check for marijuana use, as the THC compounds in marijuana are easily detectable in saliva. To be on the safe side, lay off whatever other drugs you may be using for 48 hours. Spending at least 48 hours drug-free is recommended to be on the safe side, especially if you are a heavy user. 
2 Sip water throughout the day to increase saliva production. Some believe that drinking a lot of water can help dilute drug metabolites in the saliva.[10] While there isn’t scientific evidence that supports this method, being hydrated is important for a successful saliva test. Stay hydrated by sipping 8 ounces of water every hour leading up to your test time, and avoid coffee, tea, soda, or Gatorade one hour before your test.[11] 
3 Brush your teeth twice daily to remove lingering saliva. This isn’t a very effective or scientifically-backed method, but it might slightly decrease the amount of THC (or chemicals from other drugs) lingering in your mouth.[12] Use a new toothbrush and a reputable brand of toothpaste, and scrub your teeth for at least 2 minutes after breakfast and dinner. Make sure to scrub your tongue and cheeks, too. Rinse and spit at the end. 
4 Gargle every 15 minutes for 4–5 hours before the test. This isn’t a reliable way to pass a mouth swab test, but some believe it can help. Step into the bathroom, take a big swig of mouthwash, and gargle it for 20–30 seconds. Repeat this every quarter hour before your swab test. Rinsing with mouthwash may temporarily dilute the concentration of THC (or other drug chemicals) in your saliva, which can make the drugs slightly harder to detect.[13] 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.