How to prevent early births? Study explores sugar-free gum

healthy mouth, healthand baby? For years, scientists have explored the link between poor oral quality health and give birth too soon. Now, new research presented Thursday raises the possibility that something very simple and inexpensive could make a difference: chewing sugar-free gum.

The improvements seen in the study in the African country of Malawi were modest: Preterm birth rates were slightly lower in pregnant women who chewed gum, compared to those who did not.

Still, experts welcome the idea of ​​a simple way to tackle this huge and costly problem. Although the gum is cheap, early birth can lead to a host of baby health issues and tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs.

“If we could find an intervention as simple as chewing gum to stop premature births, I would be absolutely delighted,” said Dr Zsakeba Henderson of March of Dimes, adding that she is “cautiously optimistic” about the results.

For many years, studies have shown that gum disease is linked to premature birth. Scientists believe that bacterial infections in the mouth can increase inflammation in the body, which could lead to early birth.

Researchers tested whether chewing gum made with the sweetener xylitol could help. Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables. It has been shown in previous research to gradually change the composition of bacteria in the mouth so that fewer cavity-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces and less plaque forms. Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease.

The study in Malawi recruited more than 10,000 women over six years. Some joined before becoming pregnant, others in the first half of their pregnancy. At four centers, participants received oral health education and chewed gum twice a day. In four others, a control group received only the education.

There was a lower rate of premature births before 37 weeks in the group that chewed xylitol gum: 13% versus 17% in the control group. The biggest difference was in “late” preterm births between 34 and almost 37 weeks. Although giving birth earlier is potentially worse for the baby, experts say late preterm infants are at risk for breathing problems, feeding difficulties and developmental problems.

Researcher Dr Kjersti Aagaard, OB-GYN at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said the team chose Malawi because they had a medical colleague there and the country has high rates of gum disease. and premature births. About one-fifth of infants are born prematurely, double the rate in the United States. Aagaard said there is a wide range of dental practices in both countries – from frequent tooth brushing and regular dental visits to a complete lack of access to dental care.

Researchers aren’t sure exactly how xylitol can prevent preterm labor, but they believe it has “prebiotic” properties, which means it stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria in the mouth.

Xylitol is also used in candies, foods, and dental products such as toothpaste. Aagaard said they don’t know if xylitol in other forms would make a difference, or if the same results might hold elsewhere.

In a presentation Thursday before the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, she invited others to study it.

“I actually have some gum here right now that I’m happy to send to anyone who wants it,” she said.

Other studies have suggested more traditional measures to improve oral health and help prevent premature birth. For example, a review of clinical trials from last year found that treating gingivitis, which involves dental visits and cleanings, can reduce prematurity. And a 2012 study found that mothers who did not receive dental care or had their teeth cleaned during pregnancy had a slightly higher risk of preterm birth.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.