You may have started smoking for just fun or to stave off some stress, but there is one strong reason because of which you finally decide to quit. Quitting smoking is certainly the toughest decision to make, especially for chainsmokers. But nicotine gum can be a great option to help you quit smoking. Cigarettes contain nicotine as the primary ingredient which is also the main reason why you get a hit after every puff. But, nicotine gum not only helps you to quit but also carries along some downsides. Let us discuss the pros and cons of nicotine gum them in detail:
For those who cannot bear the smell and smoke of cigarettes, nicotine gum provide a better way to get the effects without any after smell. There are many other advantages of nicotine gum to consider. These include:
The best part is that you don’t have to have a prescription to purchase nicotine gums. It can help you reduce withdrawal symptoms caused by quitting tobacco. Chewing these gums pushes nicotine slowly into the bloodstream, eliminating the cravings. And along with it, it also tames other withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Nicotine gums are a safer alternative to smoking, reducing cigarette cravings by releasing nicotine slowly and gradually. The nicotine is absorbed through the mouth's lining and enters the bloodstream faster than cigarette smoke. It helps you quit smoking by gradually reducing cravings without causing withdrawal symptoms or intense nicotine cravings.
Nicotine gums function by gradually releasing nicotine in a controlled manner. They aim to help individuals trying to quit smoking by reducing their cigarette cravings more safely. When you chew nicotine gum, the nicotine enters your bloodstream through your mouth's lining slower than when you smoke cigarettes. This helps individuals gradually lessen their cigarette dependency without encountering withdrawal symptoms or sudden nicotine cravings.
Nicotine gum provides a small amount of nicotine without the tar, smoke, and other harmful substances found in cigarettes. This allows users to satisfy their cravings for nicotine without inhaling dangerous toxins into their lungs. Studies have shown that it can double or even triple your chances of successfully quitting compared to going cold turkey alone.
Alright, no smoke, no tar, no after-smell; but is it enough to call nicotine gums all safe and better than cigarettes? What about the disadvantages of nicotine gum? Here are some key points to beware you:
The gum base, sweeteners, and flavorings used in nicotine gums may lead to cavities or tooth decay due to the sucrose content found in these ingredients. Additionally, frequent chewing of nicotine gum strains the jaw muscles, which can cause tension headaches and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) pain and discomfort. Furthermore, nicotine is a stimulant that increases saliva production, leading to dry mouth and the potential for gum inflammation or infection.
Nicotine gums also have sugary contents, and may also contain artificial sweeteners. Chewing too many gums in a day can cause stomach upset, bloating, nausea, and even diarrhea. The nicotine itself can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestinal walls, leading to abdominal pain or cramping.
A smoker rarely would like to switch to nicotine gums due to several reasons. The inhaling and exhaling of smoke is a large part that gives a kind of fun. That’s why people enjoy smoking cigarettes, and chewing gum cannot give such experience. When you smoke a cigarette, you can easily regulate how much nicotine you are consuming. Also, many smokers prefer to enjoy the fix for the time a cigarettes burns out, which is probably 6-8 minutes. They won’t like to chew the gum for about half an hour or longer.
Nicotine gums contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. When you use the, excessively, they can become habit-forming, potentially leading to addiction. Depending on their biology and psychological makeup, some people may be more prone to developing an addiction than others. People who are already addicted to cigarettes may become dependent on nicotine gum if they rely too heavily to get their nicotine fix.
Conclusion
Nicotine gum can certainly help quit smoking. However, it’s still best to consult your doctor to determine which type of nicotine replacement therapy suits you better. What works for someone else might not work for you, and vice versa. Also, remember to consider the potential side effects and the good nicotine gum can do. If you want to quit smoking, try various methods until you find one that works best for you. It's all about controlling and managing your addiction in whatever way is sustainable to ensure success. Ultimately it's up to you to decide whether nicotine gum will help with your journey, but just make sure you choose the right one.
Using nicotine in any form poses health risks, including using nicotine gum. This type of gum can reduce blood flow, potentially leading to an increased risk of gum disease. Additionally, some individuals may experience dry mouth and gum sores as a side effect of using nicotine gum.
Nicotine gum is a medication approved by the FDA that can assist individuals in quitting smoking. It can be used alone every two hours to manage withdrawal symptoms or with a nicotine patch for more intense cravings on an as-needed basis.
According to NIH, Nicotine-chewing gums are sold with varying nicotine levels, either 2 mg or 4 mg. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends consuming up to 24 gums per day, with each gum chewed one hour apart, based on how much a person smokes.
Chewing gum with nicotine doesn't contain sugar and is available in two strengths. The 2mg strength is for individuals who smoke less than 25 cigarettes a day, while the 4mg strength is for those who smoke 25 or more cigarettes daily.
