Nicotine gum is a type of chewing gum that carries nicotine to the body. It is used as an aid in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), a process for smoking cessation and quitting smokeless tobacco. The nicotine is absorbed by the tissues of the mouth and delivered to the bloodstream in our body.
Most of the nicotine gum users see it as a short-term measure. It is often suggested to stop using the nicotine gum at the end of 12 weeks. Pregnant women should stay refrain themselves from smoking or using NRT. Light smokers should use the 2 mg and heavy smokers the 4 mg; the size of gum is the same for both doses. When used correctly, about 3 mg is absorbed into the bloodstream from the 4 mg gum, and 1 mg from the 2 mg gum.
Gum should not be used less than 15 minutes’ post eating or drinking as doing so will reduce absorption. Users are instructed to chew the gum until it softens and produces a tingling sensation or "peppery" taste. The gum is then "parked," or tucked, in between the cheek and gums. When the tingling sensation ends the gum is chewed again until it returns and is then re-parked in a new place.
Besides gums, there are a few more types of NRT’s. Nicotine patch, lozenges, nose spray, and inhalers are some of them.
In a recent report, researchers concluded that nearly 5-9% of nicotine gum users relied on it for longer than the recommended period of time. About half that many were chewers for nearly six or more months. However, if there are any type of serious health risks from this kind of chronic gum chomping, they haven't been identified yet.
Some of the serious risks include nicotine poisoning and continued addiction. Limited evidence exists regarding long-term NRT use, and worries exist that long-term NRT use could raise cancer risk, due in part to the generation of carcinogens.
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