I am 49, in good health, and have been off cigarettes for over 14 years after smoking a pack-a-day from around 17-35. I have had a lot dental problems in the past, with a couple of pulled teeth replaced by implants, and periodontal treatment. My dental issues have stabilized, and my mouth is in pretty good shape, no bleeding when I floss, etc.
Last spring I picked up some 2mg nicotine gum for next to nothing at a garage sale and started chewing 1-2 pieces per week to help with concentration and fatigue when coffee wouldn't do the trick.
Because of the way that nicotine sharpens my thinking and concentration when I am not hooked I believe that I have adult ADHD and nicotine's impact on dopamine keeps me on track. I took up cigarette smoking for a week while on vacation this summer, probably smoked about 4 packs over 10 days. When I got back I found that I was craving the nic-fix, and started using the gum a little more often.
While shopping at an Indian market I picked up some dry nasal snuff on a whim and found that I enjoyed the kick. I have since tried some fancier european snuff, but it didn't take long for my body become accustomed to the snuff, and I don't like it so much that I want to use enough of it to sustain a nicotine "buzz". The drip, brown snot hankies, and nasal irrigation to clean my nose out is too much hassle.
I have been experimenting with Camel Snus, Skoal Mint Pouches, and a couple types of General Snus. I like the Camel and the "real" Snus, but I have found that the Skoal packs a nice punch, but it also makes my mouth feel like crap the next day, dried out tongue, scratchy throat. I don't seem to suffer as much from the Snus. I will probably try to stay out of the American dip and stick with Snus if I am going to continue with smokeless tobacco.
It is my understanding that TSNA is responsible for cancers from oral tobacco, but what about gum and tooth problems in the short term?
Is it the tobacco? The pH level? The sugars? The salt?
My harm reduction strategy has been to rinse thoroughly after each pouch and floss/water pik/brush three times a day.
What else should I do if I want to continue using without making my dentist and periodontist rich?
Last spring I picked up some 2mg nicotine gum for next to nothing at a garage sale and started chewing 1-2 pieces per week to help with concentration and fatigue when coffee wouldn't do the trick.
Because of the way that nicotine sharpens my thinking and concentration when I am not hooked I believe that I have adult ADHD and nicotine's impact on dopamine keeps me on track. I took up cigarette smoking for a week while on vacation this summer, probably smoked about 4 packs over 10 days. When I got back I found that I was craving the nic-fix, and started using the gum a little more often.
While shopping at an Indian market I picked up some dry nasal snuff on a whim and found that I enjoyed the kick. I have since tried some fancier european snuff, but it didn't take long for my body become accustomed to the snuff, and I don't like it so much that I want to use enough of it to sustain a nicotine "buzz". The drip, brown snot hankies, and nasal irrigation to clean my nose out is too much hassle.
I have been experimenting with Camel Snus, Skoal Mint Pouches, and a couple types of General Snus. I like the Camel and the "real" Snus, but I have found that the Skoal packs a nice punch, but it also makes my mouth feel like crap the next day, dried out tongue, scratchy throat. I don't seem to suffer as much from the Snus. I will probably try to stay out of the American dip and stick with Snus if I am going to continue with smokeless tobacco.
It is my understanding that TSNA is responsible for cancers from oral tobacco, but what about gum and tooth problems in the short term?
Is it the tobacco? The pH level? The sugars? The salt?
My harm reduction strategy has been to rinse thoroughly after each pouch and floss/water pik/brush three times a day.
What else should I do if I want to continue using without making my dentist and periodontist rich?
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