How to Chew Nicotine Gum?

Are you trying to quit smoking but finding it hard to do so? Nicotine gum can be an effective way to help you break the habit. Not only does it provide your body with nicotine, but it also gives you something to do with your mouth that doesn’t involve smoking. Today, we’ll discuss the steps on how to chew nicotine gum correctly to get the most out of this smoking cessation aid.

Steps to Chew Nicotine Gum

Chewing nicotine gum is a popular method of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) used to help people quit smoking. By providing the body with a small dose of nicotine, the gum can help reduce the intensity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms while allowing smokers to gradually decrease their nicotine intake. Here are the steps to chewing nicotine gum.

Step 1: Select the Right Strength of Gum

The first step in chewing nicotine gum is selecting the proper strength. Nicotine gum is available in 2mg and 4mg strengths. The 2mg gum should be used by most people, while the 4mg gum should be used by those who smoke more than 25 cigarettes per day, or those who smoke within 30 minutes of waking up.

It is important to note that each piece of nicotine gum contains a full dose of nicotine, and it is not necessary to chew more than one piece of gum at a time. Chewing multiple pieces of gum can lead to an excessive intake of nicotine and can cause nausea and other side effects.

Step 2: Chew the Gum Thoroughly

The next step in chewing nicotine gum is to chew the gum thoroughly. Nicotine gum should be chewed for about 15 to 20 minutes until the taste becomes strong and a tingling sensation is felt in the mouth. Once this tingling sensation is felt, nicotine has been released and the gum should be parked between the cheek and gums.

The gum should then be chewed intermittently for 30 minutes, and should not be swallowed. Swallowing the gum can reduce the effectiveness of the nicotine delivery to the body.

Step 3: Change Sides When Chewing

The final step in chewing nicotine gum is to change sides every time. Nicotine gum should be placed on the opposite side of the mouth every time the taste of the gum starts to fade. This will help ensure that the nicotine is released evenly throughout the mouth and will increase the effectiveness of the gum.

Tips for Chewing Nicotine Gum

When chewing nicotine gum, it is important to keep a few tips in mind. The following tips can help ensure that the gum is used properly and that the user gets the most out of the product.

Tip 1: Avoid Drinking While Chewing

When chewing nicotine gum, it is important to avoid drinking any liquids. Drinking liquids while chewing nicotine gum can reduce the absorption of nicotine into the body and can reduce the effectiveness of the gum.

Tip 2: Use Nicotine Gum for the Short Term

Nicotine gum should only be used for the short term, and it is not recommended to chew nicotine gum for more than 12 weeks. Using nicotine gum for longer than 12 weeks can lead to an increased risk of side effects and can reduce its effectiveness.

Side Effects of Chewing Nicotine Gum

Although chewing nicotine gum is generally safe, there are some potential side effects that should be taken into account. The most common side effects of nicotine gum are nausea, mouth sores, and hiccups.

Nausea

Chewing nicotine gum can cause nausea due to the nicotine it contains. Nausea is most common when chewing multiple pieces of gum at once or when chewing the gum too quickly. To reduce the risk of nausea, it is important to follow the instructions on the package and only chew one piece of gum at a time.

Mouth Sores

Another side effect of chewing nicotine gum is mouth sores. This can occur when the gum is chewed too vigorously or when the gum is not chewed correctly. To reduce the risk of mouth sores, it is important to follow the instructions on the package and to avoid chewing the gum too vigorously.

Precautions When Chewing Nicotine Gum

When using nicotine gum, it is important to take a few precautions. People with certain medical conditions should not use nicotine gum, and pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using nicotine gum.

People with Certain Medical Conditions

People with certain medical conditions should not use nicotine gum. These conditions include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disease. It is also important to speak to a doctor before using nicotine gum if taking any medications or if there is a history of heart conditions in the family.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using nicotine gum. Nicotine gum can pass into breast milk, and it is important to speak to a doctor to ensure that it is safe for the baby.

Related Faq

What is Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum is a form of nicotine replacement therapy that helps people quit smoking. It is a gum that contains nicotine, the same chemical found in cigarettes, but at much lower doses. The gum works by providing a controlled amount of nicotine that is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. This helps reduce the cravings for nicotine and can help people quit smoking.

How Does Nicotine Gum Work?

Nicotine gum works by releasing a low dose of nicotine into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. This helps reduce cravings for nicotine and can help people quit smoking by providing them with the same stimulation they would get from smoking a cigarette. The gum is slowly absorbed over time, so it is important to be patient and allow the gum to do its job.

How to Chew Nicotine Gum?

To get the most benefit from nicotine gum, it is important to chew it properly. Start by chewing the gum slowly until it begins to tingle or feel warm. Then, park the gum between your cheek and gum and allow it to slowly dissolve. Do not chew or swallow the gum; instead, hold it in your mouth until it has completely dissolved. After that, you can discard the gum and start with a new piece.

How Long Should I Chew Nicotine Gum?

The amount of time you should chew the gum depends on the type of nicotine gum you are using. Generally, you should chew the gum for about 30 minutes. This allows the nicotine to be absorbed into the bloodstream and helps to reduce cravings for nicotine.

Are There Any Side Effects of Chewing Nicotine Gum?

There are some possible side effects that can occur when chewing nicotine gum. Some of these include an increase in heart rate, nausea, headaches, and mouth irritation. If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to stop using the gum and consult your doctor.

What Should I Do After Chewing Nicotine Gum?

After chewing the gum, it is important to rinse your mouth out with water to help remove any remaining nicotine. This will help prevent any further irritation or side effects. It is also important to avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes after chewing the gum, as this can reduce the amount of nicotine that is absorbed into the bloodstream.

How to Use Nicotine Gum

Chewing nicotine gum can be a great way to quit smoking. It’s a non-invasive, affordable and easy way to reduce your cravings and help you quit. With a better understanding of how nicotine gum works and how to use it properly, you can start your journey toward a smoke-free life. So if you’re looking to kick the habit and stay smoke-free, then nicotine gum may be just the thing to help you on your path to success.