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Prevention Action Alliance
Know!
The New Danger - Nicotine Toothpicks?
Do you KNOW! what an electronic cigarette and a toothpick have in
common? They’re both nicotine products promoted as “helping adults to
quit smoking,” yet they’re both haphazardly finding their way into the
hands (and mouths) of our youth nationwide.
Yes, a toothpick. Standard toothpicks are now being infused or coated
with nicotine, so you can get your nicotine fix in a discrete manner
virtually anywhere.
Here’s how it works: You place it in your mouth like you would a normal
toothpick. The saliva in the mouth draws out the nicotine which is then
absorbed into your bloodstream. The effects are felt within 1-15
minutes and is said to last for up to an hour. Chewing on the toothpick
increases the speed at which nicotine is released.
These toothpicks come in a variety of candy-like flavors that are
likely to appeal to youth, such as strawberry, peppermint, spearmint,
coffee, winter ice, and cinnamon, among others. They entice youth
because they are inexpensive, easy to get a hold of, and even easier to
get away with.
They are specifically marketed as being ideal for movie nights, date
nights, airports, restaurants, parks, and any indoor space, and
directly pushed toward anyone who is looking to hide the fact that they
smoke or use other nicotine products. Youth may consider them discrete
because they are:
Odorless—no smell to cover up.
Smokeless—no plume of smoke to be seen.
They do not require a spit cup.
They do not interfere with daily activities—no need to step outside—you
can use on the spot.
They do not stir up lectures from family or friends—because no one will
know you’re using them.
All this while freshening your breath—and what teen isn’t conscious
about that?
One pack of nicotine toothpicks (15 sticks) sells online for $5.99, and
the only protection against underage shoppers is a popup that asks if
you’re over the age of 18. The amount of nicotine per pack is equal to:
One pack of cigarettes
One can of dip
One can of snus, a powder tobacco
One electronic cigarette cartridge
One JUUL pod
A single toothpick contains as much as 3 mg of nicotine compared to the
1.5 mg of nicotine most smokers inhale from one cigarette. In other
words, a packet really packs a punch, and that’s bad for youth.
In an article published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr.
Lorena Siqueira said, “Nicotine is an extremely addictive substance,
and the rapidly developing brains of teens are particularly susceptible
to it.”
Long-term exposure to nicotine is linked to increased risk for heart
disease, stroke, osteoporosis and certain types of cancers. Early use
of nicotine is also associated with addiction not only to nicotine
itself, but to alcohol and other drugs.
While traditional cigarette use is down among teens, the use of
electronic cigarettes among young people has skyrocketed. More children
are also experimenting with the various substance-infused candies, like
gummy bears and lollipops, because they don’t appear to be very
dangerous, and they can be consumed right under the noses of adults
without raising any red flags. The same concept applies with these
toothpicks. Plus, many youth would think they look cool with a
toothpick hanging out of their mouth.
As parents and teachers, we must talk to our children and students
about the dangers of nicotine and other substances. We have to make
sure they’re are aware that something in a non-threatening package,
like a gummy bear or a toothpick, can be unsafe and unhealthy for them.
It’s difficult to stay ahead of the ever-growing and changing drug
trends and products that are available to our youth. That’s why we have
to make sure we build our children’s resiliency skills and have
conversations with our young people about what they can do to support
their own health and well-being.
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