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Oral Surgery · single question

In a patient with current TMJ/myofascial pain who is trying to quit smoking, which nicotine replacement option would be LEAST appropriate?

  1. Nicotine patch
  2. Nicotine lozenge
  3. Nicotine gum, since the repetitive chewing motion can aggravate existing TMJ/myofascial symptoms
  4. Varenicline (Chantix), a non-nicotine option
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Nicotine gum, since the repetitive chewing motion can aggravate existing TMJ/myofascial symptoms

Nicotine gum requires sustained, repetitive chewing, which can provoke or worsen pain in a patient with active TMJ dysfunction or myofascial pain — patches, lozenges, or non-chewed pharmacotherapy (varenicline, bupropion) are better choices in this scenario.

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