Is Nicotine Gum Bad For You? Side Effects You Need to Know!

Not until the 1980s did scientists identify nicotine as a highly addictive substance despite the hundreds of years of nicotine use. Since then, various cigarette alternatives have been invented for tobacco harm reduction. Among them, vapes and oral nicotine products are the most successful yet controversial means to quit smoking. Nicotine gum, as a relatively more traditional type of oral nicotine product, has become popular again as more and more Chinese manufacturers pour into this market in the face of vape bans and seizures by customs authorities. Do you ever wonder if nicotine gum is bad for you? Today, I'd like to introduce the side effects of nicotine pouches that people neglect and how to avoid damage.

1. What is Nicotine Gum and How to Use Nicotine Gum

Little known to the ignorant, nicotine gum is one of the oldest NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) products as a safer alternative to smoking. Typically, a nicotine gum consists of a chewable base, nicotine (2mg or 4mg per piece), and a buffering agent to facilitate buccal absorption.

However, you don't chew the nicotine gum constantly like a chewing gum. You only need to chew the gum for a while and place it between your cheek and gums for absorption. This classic method is referred to as "Chew and Park".

2. Is Nicotine Gum Bad for Your Teeth?

Honestly, it's impossible to ignore a smoker's brown teeth and grayish gums. A lot of people quit smoking for good and hope to look better. Since you need to park the gum between your cheek and gums, does it affect your teeth, too?

First of all, although some nicotine gums taste sweet, most of them are sugar-free. As a result, nicotine gums are not to blame for cavities. However, if you have dental issues and have received dental work like fillings or a crown, they may become worn because of frequent chewing.

Moreover, the pH and ingredients may lead to tooth irritation or sensitivity depending on different formulas and flavors.

3. Side Effects of Overuse of Nicotine Gum

Sadly but naturally, people can overdose on almost anything, including water. Overuse of nicotine gums is possible and harmful.

The recommended nicotine strengths of gums for light smokers are 2mg and 4mg for heavy smokers. You can only take about 24 pieces in 24 hours (roughly 96mg of nicotine). The major risk of nicotine gum overuse is nicotine poisoning. Mild to moderate toxicity leads to nausea, headache, and dizziness, while severe symptoms include confusion, vision problems, and seizures.

Adults have a threshold of nicotine use per day. For kids and pets, nicotine gums are extremely dangerous. Even one gum can cause severe damage. Keep in mind the limit of nicotine use and keep all the nicotine products away from children and our fluffy friends.

4. Does Nicotine Gum Cause Cancer?

First of all, I can confirm to you that although nicotine is highly addictive, it is not one type of carcinogen known to us. Other ingredients are also not proven to cause cancer. On the contrary, switching to NRT like nicotine gums lowers the risk of cancer if you stop using tobacco completely.

5. Is Nicotine Gum Bad for You?

Generally speaking, nicotine gum improves your quality of life and lowers the risk of cancer if you are an adult smoker. It provides a stable and controllable way of nicotine use without exposing you to cancer-causing chemicals. Moreover, it is more discreet to use a nicotine gum, and you can put used gums wrapped in tissue or original foil in the regular garbage bin.

6. Conclusion

Nicotine gum is so far the only NRT product approved by the FDA and loved by former tobacco users. Even if the nicotine addiction is hard to treat, using it in the right dose and in a less harmful way is helpful. Next time you feel burnout, try a nicotine gum instead before lighting another cigarette. That's all about the side effects of nicotine gum, and I will see you next time.