Nicotine gum is a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) designed to deliver therapeutic nicotine to the body without the toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Its purpose is to help manage the physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings that occur during smoking cessation. By providing a controlled dose of nicotine, the gum allows individuals to focus on breaking the behavioral habits associated with smoking.
Choosing the Right Strength and Initial Timing
Selecting the correct starting dosage is dependent on your existing level of nicotine dependence. Nicotine gum is generally available in two strengths, 2 milligrams (mg) and 4 mg. The recommended starting dose is typically determined by how quickly you smoke your first cigarette after waking up.
If you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking, the 4 mg strength is usually recommended, as this indicates a higher degree of nicotine dependence. For those who wait more than 30 minutes after waking to smoke, the 2 mg dose is generally suggested. To maximize the effectiveness of the gum, it should be used on a schedule, not simply when a craving occurs.
The standard initial protocol involves using one piece of gum every one to two hours for the first six weeks following your quit date. Using at least nine pieces per day is recommended to maintain steady nicotine levels and minimize withdrawal symptoms. Do not exceed 24 pieces of gum in a 24-hour period.
Mastering the “Chew and Park” Technique
Nicotine gum requires a specialized “chew and park” technique to ensure the nicotine is absorbed correctly through the lining of the mouth, known as the buccal mucosa. The process begins with slow, deliberate chewing of the gum until a distinct peppery taste or tingling sensation is felt. This sensation signals that the nicotine has been released from the gum’s polacrilex resin.
Once the tingling is present, stop chewing and “park” the gum between your cheek and gum line. This allows the nicotine to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. When the tingling sensation fades, repeat the process by chewing the gum slowly a few times to release more nicotine.
You should continue this cycle of chewing until the tingling returns, and then parking the gum in a different location within the mouth. The entire process for a single piece of gum typically lasts about 30 minutes, or until the tingling sensation can no longer be produced. Chewing the gum too quickly or continuously can lead to swallowing the nicotine, which may cause side effects like hiccups, heartburn, or nausea.
Maintaining Optimal Nicotine Absorption
Effective absorption of the nicotine relies on maintaining an alkaline environment within the mouth. The gum itself contains buffering agents that help raise the saliva’s pH level upon chewing, which is necessary for the nicotine to pass through the buccal mucosa. Consuming acidic foods or beverages immediately before or during gum use can dramatically reduce the gum’s effectiveness.
Acidic drinks, such as coffee, fruit juices, sodas, and carbonated beverages, lower the salivary pH and interfere with the absorption process. To prevent this, avoid eating or drinking anything except water for at least 15 minutes before and while a piece of gum is in your mouth.
Creating a Schedule for Weaning Off
Nicotine gum is intended as a temporary aid, requiring a gradual reduction in use to avoid replacing one nicotine dependence with another. The standard NRT course is a 12-week program that slowly reduces the frequency of gum use.
During the first six weeks, the regimen is one piece every one to two hours, establishing a baseline of craving control. The tapering begins in weeks seven through nine, when the frequency is reduced to one piece every two to four hours. In the final phase, weeks ten through twelve, usage is further reduced to one piece every four to eight hours.
The goal is to stop using the gum entirely by the end of the 12-week period. This structured reduction allows the body to gradually adjust to lower nicotine levels, minimizing withdrawal symptoms. If the need for the gum persists beyond the recommended 12 weeks, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.