Ingesting nicotine via gum, patch, or toothpick may have some benefits for cognitive function if dosages are reasonable, frequency is low, and the brain is fully developed.

“Now whether or not ingesting nicotine by way of nicotine containing gum or patch or toothpick or other method is dangerous, for other reasons is a discussion that's important, right now, it appears that provided the dosages are kept reasonable. We'll talk about what reasonable means a little later, and the frequency is kept relatively low. So not relying on these things constantly. There may in fact be some benefit to ingesting nicotine from time to time, provided that you are not still developing your brain.”