Nicotine gum and funny metallic taste? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

The_Cheese_Man · 02-18-2004, 02:40 PM

Hi

I dipped snuff for 22 years but quit about 2 months ago and went on nicotine gum (4mg). I had developed several small white patches on the inside of my cheek and gum which scared me 1/2 to death but which thankfully came back negative for cancer.

Anyway, I can't remember if it was right before I began using the gum or after but I have had a metallic taste in my mouth for about the same amount of time (ie; about two months now). My teeth have also become a lot more sensitive and I don't know whether the gum is causing all of this -or- if it's just making it worse. My teeth are'nt exactly in the best of shape anyway but I sure can't remember them feeling like this!. My mandibular lymph nodes were also mildly swollen on the CAT scan /contrast I had done a few months back but they said they were'nt concerned. I've seen two ENT's, had two biopsies, one CAT scan, blood work, oral exams, etc and so far noone has told me to make out a will or anything.

I guess the thing I would be interested in knowing the most is if nicotine gum can (or usually does) cause some or all of these symptoms I've mentioned. Am I all alone here or is this pretty common?.

jojo64 · 02-20-2004, 08:19 AM

Well, I can't answer your question about the metallic taste but I wanted to let you know that I am also trying to quit dipping so you are not alone in that respect. And I am also using the gum, but a generic brand. No metallic taste, but my tongue is sore and my jaws are tired. I sure do miss that Skoal!

LL29 · 02-22-2004, 01:47 PM

Very proud of you both for quitting

My Dad has been chewing Copenhagen for as long as I remember and I pray he doesn't lose his jaw.

Anyway - you know - I want to say it's possibly your teeth/gums - then again your sense of smell and taste come back so............hmmmm.... I would get checked for periodontal disease.....I would just think that it has to be from your gums or something. Do you floss regularly? If not, please do so. Will save you a lot of trips and gum diseases.

It could be the gum???? Nicotine has it's own weird taste to it so maybe it's your view that nicotine tastes metallic? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm LOL

Either way - don't dip - metallic taste and all - at least you'll have your teeth and jaw.

Much success

Laurie