Chewing tobacco affects your dental health as well as the rest of your body. If you use smokeless tobacco and have thought about quitting, we can help.
How do you kick the habit?
We can help you kick your chewing tobacco habit. First, we can clean your teeth and treat the bad breath and puffy, swollen gums associated with tobacco use. Then, we may decide to recommend a variety of nicotine replacement therapies. These include transdermal nicotine patches or chewing gum to help wean addicted tobacco users.
Nicotine patches are worn for 24 hours over several weeks, supplying a steady flow of nicotine. Four of the major brands are Habitrol, Nicoderm, Nicotrol, and Prostep. Throughout treatment, the amount of nicotine in the patch decreases. The nicotine patch typically has a 25 percent success rate. Or, you may try nicotine gum therapy to assist in kicking the habit. Chew one piece of gum every 1-2 hours, discarding after 20-30 minutes. (Use as directed on the product packaging.)
Make the following goals to quit and never resume chewing tobacco:
- Pick a date and taper use as the date nears. Instead of using spit tobacco, carry substitutes like gum, hard candy, and sunflower seeds.
- Cut back on when and where you dip and chew. Let friends and family know that you’re quitting and solicit their support. If they dip and chew, ask them not to do it around you.
- Make a list of three situations you’re most likely to dip and chew, then make every effort to avoid using tobacco at those times.
- Switch to a lower nicotine brand to help cut down your dose.
