New publications
Chewing gum to prevent preterm labor
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
A large study has found that chewing xylitol gum twice daily during pregnancy reduces the risk of preterm birth in areas with high rates of the condition.
In a recent study published in Med, a team of researchers from Baylor College of Medicine examined the effects of using xylitol-containing chewing gum during pregnancy to prevent periodontal disease and subsequent preterm birth and low birth weight in infants.
The study aimed to determine whether this intervention, combined with regular antenatal and dental care recommendations, could reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes by minimizing periodontal disease-related inflammation in pregnant women in Malawi.
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that is increasingly linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight babies. It is believed that oral infections during pregnancy can cause systemic inflammation that can negatively impact fetal development. Research suggests that bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to the placenta, causing harmful inflammatory responses in the fetus.
While interventions such as professional dental cleanings have been studied, the results of these studies have been mixed, possibly due to the time and invasiveness of such procedures. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that has been shown to be effective in inhibiting harmful oral bacteria and reducing inflammation. It may be an easier, less invasive way to maintain gum health in pregnant women, especially in areas such as Malawi where access to dental care is limited.
The study involved more than 10,000 pregnant women enrolled in eight health centres in Malawi. Sites were randomly assigned to a control group that received standard antenatal and dental care advice, or an intervention group that received the same advice but also xylitol chewing gum.
Participants in the intervention group were instructed to chew xylitol gum twice daily from early pregnancy until the end of the antenatal period. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of chewing gum on reducing preterm birth (before 37 weeks) and low birth weight (less than 2.5 kg), which were defined as primary outcomes.
Adherence to chewing gum was monitored through self-reports at follow-up visits, although only a third of participants in the xylitol group consistently reported compliance. In addition to the primary birth outcome, the study also monitored secondary outcomes including neonatal mortality and improvement in gum health.
Dental examinations were performed twice during the trial to monitor changes in periodontal health, with an emphasis on reducing inflammation associated with preterm birth. All participant health data were collected to ensure a balanced analysis.
The researchers found that chewing xylitol gum during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of preterm birth and low birth weight babies. The results showed that the rate of preterm birth in the intervention group was 12.6%, while in the control group it was 16.5%, indicating a significant reduction in preterm births with the use of xylitol gum.
Similarly, only 8.9% of infants in the xylitol group had a birth weight below 2.5 kg compared to 12.9% in the control group, further supporting the effectiveness of xylitol chewing gum in reducing the risk of low birth weight.
The intervention also had a positive effect on neonatal mortality rates, with the xylitol group showing a reduction in mortality. In addition, participants who were highly compliant with the gum regimen showed significant improvements in key measures.
Improvements in gingival health markers were noted in the xylitol intervention group, including reduced gingival bleeding, indicating a reduction in inflammation associated with periodontal disease.
In conclusion, the trial showed that xylitol-containing chewing gum can significantly reduce periodontal-related risks in pregnant women, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. This intervention was particularly valuable in resource-poor settings such as Malawi.
The intervention also had positive effects on neonatal health outcomes and maternal gum health. Despite moderate adherence to gum use, xylitol gum was found to be an effective, affordable, and feasible option for improving perinatal health.