Nicotine absorption and the subjective and physiologic effects of nicotine toothpicks.

This study investigated a new tobacco-free smoking substitute intended to provide not only the nicotine but also, to some extent, the manipulative component of the smoking act. Nicotine uptake and cardiovascular and subjective effects of nicotine-containing toothpicks (4 mg) were compared with those of nicotine chewing gum (4 mg). After the two products were chewed for 5 minutes, the nicotine uptake from the toothpick was twofold that of the gum. However, comparing the total nicotine deliveries of both products, they are quite similar. The cardiovascular parameters showed a clear nicotine effect, but they did not differentiate between the two products. Among the subjective parameters there were only minor differentiations. However, the potential advantages of the toothpicks: (1) dental care and (2) a possible substitute for the manipulative component of the smoking act, remain to be verified in further experiments.