You chew Nicorette gum slowly to release some of the nicotine and then place it next to the membranes in the mouth to assist the transferral of the nicotine into the bloodstream. This is colloquially referred to as "parking" the gum between the gums and the lining of the mouth. If you overdo the chewing then the peppery taste many seem too intense. While the taste of the gum may take a little getting used to, reducing the speed and frequency that you chew the gum should help.

A single piece of gum will typically last for 30 minutes or so, after with time the user will not experience the tingling sensation of nicotine being released when the gum is chewed. After chewing the gum, avoid swallowing the saliva containing the nicotine because this could cause nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. You should avoid swallowing the gum or eating while using Nicorette gum for the same reason. In this regard, the gum actually works to deter snacking and offers a substitute to the oral gratification that smokers often miss when they stop smoking.

You should avoid drinking acidic beverages like fruit juices or soft drinks. This is because these drinks, as well as coffee or tea, can hinder the absorption of the nicotine. If you drink one of these beverages less than fifteen minutes before you want to use Nicorette gum then it is a good idea to use water to rinse your mouth prior to using the gum.