Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) gum is a common aid for people trying to quit smoking, but its use presents a unique challenge for individuals who wear dentures. The sticky nature of chewing gum and the physical act of chewing can potentially dislodge or damage dental prosthetics. While using nicotine gum with dentures is possible, successful use requires a highly specific technique and careful risk mitigation. The proper method for using this form of nicotine delivery is fundamentally different from chewing regular gum.
Understanding How Nicotine Gum Is Used
Nicotine gum is not intended to be chewed continuously like conventional gum, which is a common misconception and a major source of potential problems for denture wearers. The correct application involves a technique known as “chew and park.” This method is specifically designed to allow for the slow, controlled release of nicotine through the lining of the mouth, known as the oral mucosa.
To begin, you first chew the gum slowly and gently just a few times until a mild tingling sensation or a peppery taste becomes noticeable. This initial, minimal chewing action is only meant to soften the gum base and initiate the release of nicotine from the polacrilex resin. The goal is to avoid the vigorous, sustained chewing that would be required to break down a piece of standard chewing gum.
Once the tingling starts, you immediately stop chewing and “park” the gum, tucking it between your cheek and your gums. Holding the gum in this location allows the nicotine to be absorbed sublingually and through the buccal lining of the mouth, bypassing the digestive system and entering the bloodstream directly. Absorption is most effective when the gum is held stationary against the mucosal tissue.
You only resume the gentle chewing once the tingling sensation has faded significantly, which typically takes about a minute, to prompt the release of more nicotine. This alternating “chew and park” cycle should be repeated for approximately 30 minutes until the tingling sensation is no longer produced. This slow, controlled process minimizes the mechanical stress on the dentures while maximizing the therapeutic effect of the nicotine.
Minimizing Physical Risks to Dentures
The physical interaction between the gum and the dental appliance is the most significant concern for denture wearers. The inherent stickiness of the gum base risks adhering to the acrylic or porcelain material of the prosthetic, making removal and cleaning difficult. The gum can also compromise the seal of denture adhesives used to secure full dentures, potentially leading to a loosened fit and instability.
For individuals with partial dentures, the risk extends to the metal or plastic clasps that anchor the prosthetic to any remaining natural teeth. The pulling and tugging motion, even with gentle chewing, can place undue stress on these clasps, potentially leading to their deformation or causing them to pull away from the anchor teeth over time. Users must avoid positioning the gum near the clasps or the edge of the denture base during the “parking” phase.
To mitigate these issues, users should ensure their dentures are properly seated and secured with fresh adhesive before starting to chew. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and routinely cleaning the dentures after use prevents residue buildup on the prosthetic material. Keeping the mouth well-hydrated during the process helps reduce the gum’s stickiness. A gentle, slow chewing cadence is the most important action to prevent the displacement of the denture or the loosening of its components.
Non-Chewable Nicotine Replacement Options
For individuals who find the risk of gum sticking or the technical requirements of the “chew and park” method too challenging, several alternative NRT options exist that eliminate the need for chewing altogether.
Nicotine Lozenges
Nicotine lozenges are designed to be placed in the mouth, typically between the cheek and gum, where they slowly dissolve over about 20 to 30 minutes. This dissolution process allows for nicotine absorption through the oral mucosa, similar to the gum’s mechanism, but without any mechanical chewing action that could affect dentures.
Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches offer a completely non-oral delivery system, providing a steady, controlled dose of nicotine by being applied directly to the skin, typically on the arm or torso. This transdermal delivery bypasses the mouth entirely, removing all possibility of conflict with any type of dental appliance, including full or partial dentures. Patches are an excellent choice for consistent, all-day craving management.
Other Non-Chewable Options
Other non-chewable options include nicotine nasal sprays and nicotine inhalers. The nasal spray delivers a dose of nicotine quickly through the nasal passages, offering one of the fastest routes of absorption among NRTs. The inhaler allows the user to draw nicotine vapor into the mouth and throat, mimicking the hand-to-mouth action of smoking without involving the gum line or teeth. These alternatives provide therapeutic nicotine delivery while fully safeguarding the integrity and security of dentures.