Can Chewing Gum with Xylitol Prevent Premature Birth?

Research suggests that chewing gum with xylitol may reduce the risk of preterm birth. Xylitol is said to promote oral health and reduce gum disease, which is associated with preterm birth.

Chewing gum containing xylitol may reduce the risk of preterm birth, primarily through improved oral health, according to studies.

A study in Malawi showed that daily use of xylitol chewing gum by pregnant women led to a 24% reduction in preterm births (12.6% versus 16.5% in the control group). This is attributed to a reduction in gum disease, which is associated with inflammation that can lead to preterm birth.

Xylitol inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which reduces inflammation and infection that can travel through the bloodstream to the placenta. Although promising, further research is needed to determine whether this effect can be replicated in other populations.

The use of xylitol chewing gum cannot therefore be recommended at this time to prevent preterm birth or low birth weight.

Source: https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-024-06905-1

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-11-29 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024