Large study finds that chewing xylitol gum twice daily during pregnancy reduces risk of preterm birth in regions with high rates. In a recent study published in Med , a team led by scientists from the Baylor College of Medicine explored the effect of using xylitol-containing chewing gum during pregnancy to prevent periodontal disease and subsequent preterm births and low birth weights in infants. The study examined whether this intervention, in combination with regular prenatal and oral health guidance, could reduce adverse birth outcomes by minimizing the inflammation associated with periodontal disease in pregnant women in Malawi.
Background Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that has been increasingly linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm births and low birth weight in newborns. It is believed that oral infections during pregnancy can trigger systemic inflammation, which could potentially impact fetal development. Studies suggest that bacteria from gum disease may also enter the bloodstream and cross into the placenta, inducing harmful inflammatory responses in the fetus.
Although interventions such as dental cleanings have been explored, the findings from these studies have been inconclusive, possibly due to the timing and invasive nature of these treatments. However, xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that has shown promise in inhibiting harmful oral bacteria and reducing inflammation. It could potentially offer a simpler, less invasive approa.