![]() I worry that parents and teachers will be unaware that a seemingly innocuous act of biting a toothpick could actually deliver a harmful amount of nicotine. Here’s what parents need to know about nicotine toothpicks: What Parents Need to Know About Nicotine Toothpicks As parents, we need to stay informed so that we can talk to our teens about them. ![]() I find it interesting that while cigarette use is down among teens, these alternate forms of nicotine consumption are increasing at an alarming rate. They are essentially regular toothpicks infused with nicotine and flavoring agents. Recently, I learned about a new product that other parents need to be aware of: nicotine toothpicks. I’ve previously discussed related topics such as juuling and dripping. Often at the top of the list are mood-altering or health-damaging substances, such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco.Īs both a parent of teenagers and a pharmacist in the Drug and Poison Information Center, I have a dual interest in staying on top of the latest trends. Nicotine products are also linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke.There’s a whole new set of things for parents to think about when their children become teenagers. In fact, nicotine is so addictive that research shows a strong correlation between early nicotine use and addiction to nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs. With such a strong dosage of nicotine, the risk of addiction –especially amongst teens– is extremely high. ![]() For context, one toothpick contains up to 3 mg of nicotine while a cigarette contains around 1.5 mg. Nicotine toothpicks pack a serious nicotine punch. This means that once manufacturers get through the Premarket Tobacco Application (PMTA) process, they can ship nicotine toothpicks across the country. Nicotine toothpicks are not included in the PACT Act, nor are they banned from U.S mail delivery. There is one notable difference between nicotine toothpicks and other nicotine products such as vapes and e-cigarettes. As with other tobacco products, nicotine toothpicks should not be sold to minors and should include nicotine warning statements on all packaging and advertising. The FDA has taken a strong viewpoint when it comes to nicotine toothpicks, sending a warning letter to one nicotine toothpick manufacturer for violating regulations. The FDA uses the same enforcement tools for nicotine toothpicks as it does for other tobacco products like e-cigarettes. Evidence shows that youth exposure to nicotine can adversely affect the developing adolescent brain and put youth at risk for nicotine addiction.” In a recent news article, the FDA said: “We’re especially concerned about novel nicotine-containing products, such as these nicotine-containing toothpicks, being sold and marketed to youth. The FDA has expressed concern about the use of nicotine toothpicks, especially amongst teens. Here’s how they work:Īlthough nicotine toothpicks don’t contain tobacco, they’re considered a tobacco product and are regulated by the FDA. They are usually sold in packs of between 15 to 50 toothpicks, and each usually contains 2 - 3 mg of nicotine per toothpick. Nicotine toothpicks come in a wide range of flavors. Some manufacturers infuse the mixture into the toothpick using a vacuum chamber. Depending on the manufacturer, some nicotine toothpicks are coated with a combination of nicotine, flavors, and preservatives. Nicotine toothpicks are wooden toothpicks that contain nicotine and different flavorings. This can lead to depression and mood swings. Prolonged nicotine consumption also negatively impacts the moods as users suffer from a “comedown”. According to the CDC, consuming 50 to 60 MG of nicotine is a deadly amount for an adult weighing around 150 pounds. ![]() Left unsupervised, children and teens could suffer from a deadly nicotine overdose. Nicotine toothpicks are cheap and come in a wide array of candy-like flavors and colors, making them extremely attractive to young people. While they contain fewer toxins than cigarettes or e-cigarettes, there’s a larger risk of a nicotine overdose. In fact, studies suggest that people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to take up smoking cigarettes.Ĭontrary to popular opinion, nicotine toothpicks do carry their own set of health risks. Before long, a nicotine toothpick won’t pack enough punch, and you’ll turn to other tobacco products such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. As your tolerance builds, your body needs more and more nicotine to feed it. The main concern with these toothpicks is that they encourage young people to become dependent on nicotine from a young age.
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