Smoking is one of the worst habits that a person can develop. It is not only harmful for the person who is smoking, but also for the people who are around him. With time, a number of nicotine replacement products have been developed to help people kick off the habit of smoking. One such product is the Nicotine Gum. It is basically a type of chewing gum only, but instead of sweeteners, it delivers nicotine to the body.
In case of Nicotine Gum, the nicotine is absorbed by the tissues in the mouth and from there, it enters the bloodstream. A single piece of the gum comprises of 2 or 4 mg of nicotine, almost the same nicotine content as found in 1 or 2 cigarettes. Many people have stated turning to the nicotine gum to quite not only smoking, but also smokeless tobacco. However, even the gum is not without side effects and has to be used cautiously.
The Addiction
Nicotine Gum has been found very effective in helping people quite smoking or chewing tobacco. However, along with this, it has been found that in many cases, the users of the gum end up getting addicted to it. In short, they replace one form of addiction with another form of addiction. Though it is true that the gum is much less harmful than cigarettes or tobacco, it is nonetheless quite injurious and damaging for the body.
The Harm
Apart from the usual harmful effects of nicotine, the gum has also been found to cause frequent hiccups in its users. It has also been related to an apparent constriction of the throat muscles. If that wasn’t enough, prolonged use of nicotine gum might result in gum diseases. This is because nicotine constricts blood vessels of the gums, thus resulting in inadequate blood flow and susceptibility to gum disease.
Getting Rid Off Nicotine Gum Addiction
It is as necessary to kick off the habit of using the nicotine gum as it is to stop smoking or chewing tobacco. The first thing you will require is self confidence. Remember, if you managed to stop smoking, you can definitely get rid of the habit of chewing the gum too. Just be determined, set a goal for yourself and stick to the goal. You can even take the help of your family and friends for the purpose. Remember, anything is possible if you make up your mind to do it.