Quit Smoking Gum

Quit smoking gum falls under the category of nicotine replacement therapy. Other products in that category include nicotine patches, inhalers and sprays.

How Quit Smoking Gum Works

The gum uses nicotine in small doses to help you kick your nicotine addiction. To discharge nicotine from the gum, chew a piece until it has a peppery taste or you notice a tingly sensation in your mouth. To absorb the nicotine into your system you simply hold the chewed gum between your gum and cheek until the taste or tingly sensation disappears.

The Pros and Cons of Using Quit Smoking Gum

As with most any smoking cessation medication there are good points and bad points. The good points for quit smoking gum are that it helps satisfy cravings quickly. It also keeps your mouth busy - which in turn could keep your mind off of cigarette smoking. You can buy it over-the-counter in 2- or 4-milligram doses and chew it as often as needed - up to 24 pieces a day. When nicotine gum is used alone, most people find it most effective to chew one piece every hour for the first few weeks.

The bad points for quit smoking gum products are that the gum may cause gum, tooth or jaw discomfort if chewed like regular gum. You may experience nausea or hiccups if you chew it too quickly or swallow the nicotine rather than holding the gum against the side of your mouth as directed. There could also be a chance of nicotine gum addiction.

Another important point to consider is that you should not chew the gum for more than six months, and you should certainly refrain from smoking cigarettes if you are on nicotine gum therapy. Smoking will launch more nicotine into your body, which can result into a high risk of a nicotine overdose.

Regardless of what products for quitting that you use, be sure that you make a plan. Set a date, tell your family and friends that date, understand the challenges that you will face on that date and beyond, get rid of all tobacco related items from your home, car, and work place, and speak to a doctor about treatment for nicotine addiction.