Final answer:
Kevin is concerned about the health impacts of smoking, particularly his bleeding gums, and is considering using e-cigarettes or nicotine gum to quit. Both methods have their own risks and limitations, and there is no certainty that e-cigarettes are safer, making it difficult to choose the best option for quitting smoking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kevin's bleeding gums may be related to smoking, which causes periodontitis and other oral problems. The use of e-cigarettes is touted as a means to quit smoking, but they come with their own risks. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that create vapor from flavored liquids containing nicotine. While they are marketed as safer than traditional cigarettes, they still contain nicotine and potentially harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and diacetyl, the latter being linked to an incurable lung condition called 'popcorn lung'. Moreover, the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in helping people to permanently quit smoking is debatable, as they still feed the nicotine addiction that underlies the smoking habit.
Nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine gum, delivers nicotine in controlled doses to help manage withdrawal symptoms. However, a significant majority of those who use nicotine replacement therapy end up smoking again within a year. The attractiveness of flavored e-cigarettes to teens is a growing concern, as their use could potentially act as a gateway to traditional smoking. As the regulation of e-cigarettes is still evolving, users cannot be certain of the safety of these products, despite some manufacturers' claims.
Health risks associated with traditional tobacco smoking, including oral cancer and increased risk of tooth loss, are well-documented. Smokers are also at greater risks of bone fractures, slow wound healing, and postoperative complications. However, despite widespread knowledge of these risks, many find it difficult to quit due to nicotine's addictive nature and the minimal effectiveness of educational programs in altering smoking behavior.
Considering all factors, it is essential that Kevin evaluates the potential benefits and risks of using e-cigarettes versus nicotine gum, in consultation with a healthcare professional, to find the most suitable method for him to quit smoking and address his oral health concerns.