Will nicotine gum (e.g., Nicorette) harm my singing voice?

Question

Since about the age of 30 (I'm 35 now) I have sometimes been addicted to smoking tobacco. I know that smoking tobacco can damage my singing voice--I have experienced this personally. Lately, I had quit again, but then I moved in with a roommate who smokes a lotta cigarettes, as do his friends--who have become my friends--and I have started smoking cigarettes and/or Black n Milds (cigarillos) again. I just very recently started chewing nicotine gum (generic version of Nicorette) to lead me to smoking little to none again.

I have searched on Google, and I can't find anyone talking about whether nicotine gum does or does not harm the singing voice. Anyone have any knowledge on this?

Note: I don't plan on cutting nicotine out of my life entirely, in the immediate future; rather, I want to use nicotine gum to satisfy my cravings, while still enjoying a cigarette or Black n Mild occasionally with my friends who smoke. This means that I may be chewing nicotine gum for quite some time.

Answer 1

Yes. Nicotine supplements will damage your voice. As will smoking and being around people who are smoking.

According to The Singer's Voice, by Michael S. Benninger and Thomas Murry (Plural Publishing, 2008) (LINK: Book at Publisher's Website), nicotine supplements should be avoided (p. 94, Table 9.1) and they can cause vocal dryness (p. 95, Table 9.2).

The below images are screenshots from Google Books

Excerpt from The Singer's Voice, p. 94, Table 9.1

Excerpt from The Singer's Voice, p. 95, Table 9.2

In addition, the Mayo Clinic lists the following possible side effects (among others) for Nicorette:

• Mouth sores, blisters, or irritation
• sore throat
• belching
• hiccups
• mouth, tooth, jaw, or neck pain

all of which could affect singing.

Answer 2

Yes, Nicorette gum has a damaging effect on the vocal cords. I am a singer, and it has coated my vocal cords, and has affected my singing.

Answer 3

I was using Nicorette gum for a few years and finally had to quit when I realized it was the cause of my voice going hoarse. It damaged vocal chords and it took me over a month to get my voice back with the help of ginger, lemon and honey tea. Stay away from Nicorette gum.

Answer 4

Singer here. Yep, avoid nicorette, its a voice killer. Not only did did my singing voice change, but also my talking voice, to an airy and raspy sound. In fact, my voice was better when smoking 6 cigarettes a day before the gum. My guess is the tobacco in the gum must be stronger and coats the throat more directly than cigarettes. After this box of nicorette i'm going to switch to regular gum, and just kick that nasty tobacco habit once and for all. Go me for quitting smoking for two months.