Nicotine

Gum 2: Nicotine in the oral cavity

The nicotine is incorporated in the gum base and is gradually released by chewing. These nicotine molecules mix with saliva and are dispersed throughout the oral cavity.

The inner cheeks and the area under the tongue are lined with large numbers of tiny capillaries. The nicotine molecules are easily absorbed from the saliva into these blood vessels.

Depending on the intensity of chewing, some 50 to 90 percent of the nicotine enters the bloodstream.