New Study Links Chewing Gum to Reduced Preterm Birth and Low-Birthweight Babies
Gum’s the word — and a new study links chewing the right kind to a decrease in preterm birth and delivery of low-birthweight babies in an impoverished African country.
The Study
Led by Dr. Greg Valentine, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, the study followed two groups of pregnant women over three years in Malawi. The first group, comprising 4,500 women, chewed xylitol gum, while the second group, comprising 5,500 women, received counseling and medication. The results showed a 24% reduction in preterm birth and a 30% drop in low-birthweight deliveries.
Background
Malawi has one of the highest rates of preterm birth globally, with about 70% of pregnant women suffering from gum disease. Preterm birth occurs up to 20% of the time, and low-birthweight deliveries are a major concern. Research has linked gum disease during pregnancy to a two- to threefold increase in both preterm birth and low-birthweight deliveries.
How Xylitol Gum Works
Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol used by gum brands such as Orbit and Trident, has been shown to reduce the growth of bacteria strongly linked to gum disease and decrease inflammation in gum tissues. By reducing the growth of these bacteria, xylitol gum may help prevent the spread of infection and inflammation throughout the body.
Limitations and Future Plans
While the study found significant benefits from chewing xylitol gum, there are some limitations to consider. High levels of xylitol can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, cause digestive problems like gas and diarrhea, and be deadly to dogs. The study authors plan to test xylitol gum in pregnancies in lower-resourced communities in the Seattle area and track the children born during the study to see if xylitol in pregnancy affects child development, growth, hearing, or vision.
Conclusion
The study’s findings suggest that chewing xylitol gum may be a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of preterm birth and low-birthweight deliveries in low-resource communities. As the study authors continue to track the children born during the study, we may learn more about the long-term effects of xylitol gum on child health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is xylitol gum?
A: Xylitol gum is a type of chewing gum that contains xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol.
Q: How does xylitol gum work?
A: Xylitol gum reduces the growth of bacteria strongly linked to gum disease and decreases inflammation in gum tissues.
Q: Is xylitol gum safe?
A: While xylitol gum has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of preterm birth and low-birthweight deliveries, high levels of xylitol can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, cause digestive problems, and be deadly to dogs.
Q: Will I need a prescription to get xylitol gum?
A: No, xylitol gum is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
