Nicotine lozenges and gums

Quit tip number two.

Nicotine lozenges and gums are popular and easy to use. They can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy or supermarket and help you manage withdrawal symptoms.

All oral types of nicotine replacement therapy work in the same way. Nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth and then enters your bloodstream.

Using these products correctly can more than double your chances of quitting successfully. Nicotine replacement therapy provides much lower levels of nicotine than you get from a cigarette. But more importantly, you aren't inhaling the tar, carbon monoxide and thousands of other harmful chemicals that are in a cigarette.

Nicotine lozenges

They’re pretty straightforward. You simply place the lozenge in your mouth and move it from side to side until it dissolves completely.

This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Don't chew or swallow the lozenge.

Nicotine gum

There are heaps of different types of nicotine replacement gum to choose from. The gum should be chewed until it releases a peppery taste, and then park it in your mouth between your gum and cheek. When the taste fades, repeat this chew and park process, continue for around 30 minutes.

Things you should know about lozenges and gums

1. Read the product instructions, so you don't take more than the maximum number recommended.
2. If you vigorously suck, bite or swallow them, they can cause hiccups, a sore throat or a stomach ache and you won't absorb the nicotine properly.
3. It's best not to eat or drink while using a lozenge or a piece of gum.
4. Make sure you dispose of nicotine gums safely, so it isn't picked up by kids or pets.

Lozenges and gums usually don't stop withdrawal symptoms altogether. However, they're a safe and helpful way to curb cravings.

And the best part is most people won't even know you're using them.

Check out more quit tips videos.