Bharti Jayshankar
December 9, 2024: A study conducted in Malawi suggests that chewing gum containing xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol, could significantly lower the incidence of preterm births.
The research, published in the journal Med, indicates that pregnant individuals who chewed xylitol gum experienced a 24% reduction in preterm births compared to those who did not.
Key findings
The study involved over 10,000 participants and was led by Dr. Greg Valentine from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Participants were divided into two groups: one group received xylitol-containing chewing gum while the control group received standard prenatal care without the gum. The results showed that gum chewing was associated with a 30% decrease in low-birthweight infants. Dr. Valentine was surprised at the significant impact of such a simple intervention, “It surprised us all that such a simple intervention could have such a dramatic effect.”
Periodontal health and pregnancy
Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely or preterm (defined as delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy), and this number is rising, according to the World Health Organization. Preterm babies are at greater risk of experiencing serious health problems.
Previous research has shown a link between periodontal disease and an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. In Malawi, where approximately 70% of pregnant women suffer from gum disease, this connection is particularly concerning. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease may trigger systemic responses that negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. Xylitol is known for its ability to reduce harmful bacteria associated with gum disease and improve oral health. By incorporating xylitol gum into their daily routine, participants were able to enhance their oral hygiene in a low-resource setting where traditional dental care may be limited.
Maternal health
With Malawi experiencing one of the highest rates of preterm births globally—up to 20%—the findings from this study could have significant implications for maternal health interventions. Preterm birth remains the leading cause of death for children under five worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for effective preventive measures. The researchers plan to extend their investigation by testing the xylitol gum intervention in lower-resourced communities and exploring its long-term effects on child development in follow-up studies.
A simple and cost-effective solution like xylitol-containing chewing gum could play a crucial role in reducing preterm births and improving outcomes for mothers and infants alike. As Dr. Valentine noted, “The answer could be as simple as xylitol-containing chewing gum, which costs only a few cents per day.”
The study was published in Med (a Cell Press journal).
