SAEDNEWS: A new study shows that chewing gum with xylitol can reduce the risk of premature labor. These findings offer a cost-effective and simple way to improve oral health care and prevent pregnancy complications.
According to SaedNews, quoting ISNA, preterm birth is the leading cause of death for children under five years old. This problem is particularly severe in countries like Malawi, where 20% of all births are preterm. The results of this study are published in the journal Med.
According to SF, Greg Valentine, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, says: "We were all surprised that such a simple intervention could have such a significant impact."
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener often added to gums, tablets, and candies. It helps reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and promotes oral health by reducing the risk of gum diseases. Researchers say that having gum disease increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight by two to three times.
While the exact mechanism by which gum disease affects preterm birth weight is unclear, one theory is that inflammation caused by gum disease leads to such outcomes. Another idea is that oral bacteria travel through the bloodstream to other organs. One millimeter of dental plaque contains 100 million microbes, including harmful bacteria.
Previous research on xylitol shows that it helps stop the growth of bacteria commonly found in gum diseases. Additionally, it is effective in reducing inflammation in gum tissue.
In a trial to prevent preterm birth, individuals consumed xylitol before and early in pregnancy. From May 2015 to October 2018, researchers tracked the pregnancies of over 10,000 women in Malawi. A total of 4,549 women were randomly selected to chew xylitol gum, while 5,520 women in the control group received standard medical treatment and counseling.
In Malawi, a country with one of the highest preterm birth rates globally, the results showed that chewing xylitol gum led to a 24% reduction in preterm births and a 30% reduction in low birth weight infants.
Valentine says: "Essentially, we know that gum disease is linked to preterm birth. This is particularly notable in Malawi, where about 70% of pregnant individuals suffer from gum disease."
People in Malawi often lack the resources to prevent gum disease, such as deep cleanings to remove plaque from beneath the gum tissue and access to toothbrushes and toothpaste. There is also a consistent shortage of resources, healthcare workers, and clean running water. Researchers say that chewing gum is an easy and inexpensive option to improve oral health in Malawi and other low-income countries.
The authors are also conducting another trial in Malawi, tracking 1,000 children born in this study to assess their neurodevelopmental status between the ages of four and eight. The results of this trial will be ready by 2027. Additionally, another study will investigate xylitol gum interventions among pregnant individuals living in low-income communities in Seattle.
